An Economic Analysis between GM and Non-GM Maize Production in Southern Vietnam

Abstract

This paper aims to compare the economics of GM maize and non-GM maize production across agro-ecological zones in Southern region. Data was collected through a two-stage randomly stratified sampling procedure. A total of 296 maize growers was surveyed by faceto face interviews using a well-structured questionnaire. The method of univariate analysis was applied. Results showed that costs of GM maize production were significantly lower than ones of non-GM maize per hectare. Of which, GM maize seed costs reflected obviously the difference based on the large deviation in price. In other words, herbicide use was still highly maintained for both maize types in Dak Lak and Dong Nai provinces. Total revenue, net profit and profit-cost ratio of GM maize cultivation contributed higher profitability compared to those of non-GM maize. Though initial outcomes presented relative benefits of GM maize variety utilization in the study areas. There is still an essential consideration for more comparative studies in order to assess the impact of new varieties more comprehensively.