The GM Crop Debate in India: Stakeholders' Interests, Perceptions, Trust and Public Policy

A critical assessment of the Genetically Modified (GM) crop debate in India was undertaken to identify key determinants leading to conflicts among stakeholders. The assessment was based on the field study of different stakeholders across the agriculture value chains supplemented with close study of the debate from scholarly literature, policy documents, etc. The study points out some key stakeholders missing in the GM governance and lack of clarity in defining roles and power of regulatory bodies. It proposes a model for understanding the conflict, and argues that this model can be useful in addressing disconnect among stakeholders. It concludes with the argument for the need of developing institutions, which can promote trust among stakeholders.