Channeling consumption preferences for co-existence of landrace and modern varieties in-situ

The study examines the least-cost option of conserving landraces in-situ by the development of market friction instruments. The empirical examination is comprised of two closely-related studies on eggplant production and consumption sectors of India. An examination of the cost and return structure of eggplant farming in the study area reveals that the incremental farm price of eggplant products of landrace origin eclipses the yield advantage of hybrid varieties. Possibly due to the information asymmetries and other imperfections existing in this market, the price increment currently realized by the eggplant farmers is still only a fraction of consumers’ willingness to pay for landraces. This wide margin is indicative of the unexploited potential of labelling and certification schemes as an emerging agrobiodiversity conservation strategy.