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The impact of Bt cotton on poor households in rural India

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Arjunan, Subramanian and Qaim, Matin. (2010) The impact of Bt cotton on poor households in rural India. Journal of Development Studies, Vol.46 (No.2). pp. 295-311. ISSN 0022-0388

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00220380903002954

Abstract

The impact of genetically modified (GM) crops on the poor in developing countries is still the subject of controversy. While previous studies have examined direct productivity effects of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton and other GM crops, little is known about wider socioeconomic outcomes. We use a microeconomic modelling approach and comprehensive survey data from India to analyse welfare and distribution effects in a typical village economy. Bt cotton adoption increases returns to labour, especially for hired female workers. Likewise, aggregate household incomes rise, including for poor and vulnerable farmers. Hence, Bt cotton contributes to poverty reduction and rural development.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Alternative Title:	The impact of Bacillus thuringiensis cotton on poor households in rural India
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SB Plant culture
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Life Sciences (2010- ) > Warwick HRI (2004-2010)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Transgenic plants -- India, Bacillus thuringiensis -- Genetics, Cotton growing -- India, Transgenic plants -- Economic aspects, India -- Social conditions, India -- Economic conditions
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Development Studies
Publisher:	Routledge
ISSN:	0022-0388
Date:	February 2010
Volume:	Vol.46
Number:	No.2
Page Range:	pp. 295-311
Identification Number:	10.1080/00220380903002954
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder:	Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/2489