Trait Valuation in Genetically Modified Crops: An ex-ante Analysis of GM Cassava against Cassava Mosaic Disease§ Ashok K.R.1,*, Giuliani Alessandra2, Thilagavathi M.1, Raj S. Varadha1, Ramamoorthy R.1, Devi M.1, Sanjeevikumar A.1 1Department of Agricultural Economics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India 2Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences (HAFL), Bern, Germany *Author for correspondence Email: ashok10tnau@yahoo.com
§This paper is drawn from the socioeconomic component of Indo-Swiss Cassava Network project JEL Classification: Q16, O30, O33, O47 Online published on 24 February, 2018. Abstract Cassava is a widely distributed crop known for food security and industrial applications. Nonetheless, it is highly prone to attacks of pests and diseases. Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is an important cause of loss across the globe. In this context, research is focused on developing cassava mosaic disease resistant varieties through transgenic and conventional approaches. In this paper, the trait of CMD resistance is valued ex-ante using partial budget approach and economic surplus model. The trait value of CMD resistance at farm level varies from  38658 per hectare in drip-irrigated production system to 15562 per hectare in rainfed production system. At the macro level, the value of the improved trait is worth 1781.70 million rupees. The results clearly indicate attractive rate of returns on investment in research for CMD resistance in cassava. Top Keywords GM Crops, Trait Valuation, Cassava, Economic Surplus Model, Partial Budget Analysis. Top |