Survey Shows 70% of Indian Consumers Ready to Accept GMF

A recent survey on the "Emerging Markets for GM Foods: An Indian Perspective on Consumer Understanding and Willingness to Pay" conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad in collaboration with the Ohio State University revealed that a remarkable 70% of India's middle class is ready to consume genetically modified food (GMF). The study addresses the issues of consumer awareness, opinion, acceptance and willingness to pay for GM foods in the Indian market.

The study also revealed that the likelihood of GM food consumption seemed to increase as one moved from very poor and not-so-poor income brackets to higher income brackets. On the average, consumers were willing to pay 19.5% and 16.12% premiums for golden rice and GM edible oil, respectively. Overall, it appears that GM foods will be acceptable in the Indian market. However, consumer education societies, government ministries, and food companies may have to create awareness about GM foods among Indian consumers.

An e-copy of the report  is available at: http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/publications/data/2007-06-08Deodhar.pdf. For more information about biotech developments in India contact Bhagirath Choudhary at  b.choudhary@isaaa.org