M S Swmainathan Research Foundation

This paper examines the role of direct compensation payments for agrobiodiversity conservation, using
minor millet landraces in India as an example. The cost of farmer participation in a hypothetical ‘payments
for agrobiodiversity conservation services’ (PACS) scheme is estimated using a stated preference valuation
approach. Significant inter-crop and inter-varietal differences are observed with respect to consumption
values, upon which the compensation demanded by farm households is shown to primarily depend. Drawing
on a categorisation of consumption values and farmer preferences, the paper points to the importance of simultaneouslyconsidering a range of potential interventions in order to conserve a priority portfolio of
agrobiodiverse resources in predominantly subsistence-based agricultural systems.