For years, Md. Anisur Rahman would walk through his eggplant fields with a heavy heart, knowing that his crops were under constant threat. The lush, green plants that promised so much were often marred by the damage inflicted by the relentless eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB). As he examined the wilted shoots and the damaged fruits caused by the insect, he wondered if his labor was in vain. The pests were relentless, and despite his best efforts, they always seemed to claim the majority of his harvest. It was a battle he felt he was losing—one that left him frustrated and disheartened.
Then, three years ago, a new chapter began in Anisur’s life when he decided to plant Bt eggplant, known locally as Bt brinjal, a pest-resistant variety developed by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI). The change was dramatic and immediate. “Before, I used to grow local varieties of brinjal, but they were always heavily infested with fruit and shoot borers,” recalls the 35-year-old farmer from Koyra. “It was frustrating, and there were times when it felt like the effort was not worth it.”
Bt brinjal, however, proved to be the game-changer he needed. Unlike the local varieties, this genetically modified crop was resilient against the very pests that had plagued his fields for years. “It made all the difference,” he says. Not only did the pest-resistant variety survive, but it thrived, producing a healthy, bountiful crop. “Bt brinjal is actually delicious to eat and convenient for marketing. Since it is pest-free and does not require frequent spraying, it saves both time and money. It is almost unnecessary to spray, except for occasional whiteflies and mites.”
The impact of Bt brinjal on Anisur’s life has been profound. “I have been able to become self-sufficient by cultivating Bt brinjal. Before, I could not sell the brinjals, and even when I did, the expenses were higher than the income. Now, the costs are much lower, and the extra money goes into my savings,” he says with satisfaction.
Last year, Anisur made over 1 lakh taka in sales, a significant achievement that has helped him manage his household expenses and support his children’s education. Farming has given Anisur not just a livelihood but a sense of pride. “There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing your hard work pay off,” he reflects.
Anisur is eager to see other farmers benefit as he has. “I have seen firsthand how much better things can be with Bt brinjal, and I want others to experience that too,” he says. “It is not just about making more money- it is about having a better life. If more of us start growing Bt brinjal, we can make our whole community stronger and healthier.”
