Attitude Of Stakeholders Towards Genetically Modified Crops In Malwa Region Of Punjab

This paper investigates the stakeholders' attitude towards the genetically modified crops and foods. The study was conducted at Malwa region of Punjab state. The simple random sampling procedure was followed in the selection of respondents which includes 150 respondents comprising of 120 farmers, 20 extension personnel and 10 research scientists. The data were collected with the help of self-structured interview schedule. An attitude scale was prepared in accordance with Likert's summated rating scale technique. Findings of the study revealed that almost half of the farmers were having an unfavourable attitude while the majority of extension personnel and research scientists had a favourable attitude towards GM crops. Correlation analysis revealed that GM crops experience, mass media exposure, extension contacts, risk orientation and innovativeness of farmers significantly influences the attitude of farmers towards GM crops. Multiple regression analysis further concretely presents the picture. Therefore, modern techniques in agriculture need to be well targeted in accordance with the socio-psychological and socio-personal characteristics of stakeholders.