About 94 per cent of farmers interviewed for the study determining receptivity to genetically improved crops among Indian farmers said that they used hybrid seeds. Of them, 84 per cent of the farmers said that productivity actually increased because of using the seed variety while 38 per cent said hybrid crops grow faster.

The study found that farmers were more interested in improving the productivity of their land than get into a discussion over the merits of hybrid and traditional seeds, according to an official release.

In Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab and Gujarat with 99, 98, 98, 97 and 94 per cent of the farmers using hybrid seeds respectively, usage of the seeds has become almost a norm, the study reveals.

Over 77 per cent of the farmers interviewedsaid that hybrid seeds had a good effect on their lives, 16 per cent said that the effect was both good and bad, 5 per cent said that it was bad while 3 per cent of the farmers were uncertain.

According to the farmers who felt that hybrid seeds would make their lives better said that it would increase yields, lead to more profits, give them new variety of seeds, improve their cattle, result in good quality crops, control disease, save fuel and improve quality of soil.

Politicians, civil servants, dealers, media-persons, scientists, NGOs and regulatory authorities were also interviewed to determine their perceptions of bio-technology and its acceptance in India.

Politicians, NGOs and regulatory authorities underlined the need to be cautious to safeguard environment.