Empowering Farmers, Enhancing Lives

With support from USAID and guided by Cornell University’s international agriculture expertise, programs introducing Bt eggplant have improved the lives of smallholder farmers in Bangladesh. Through collaboration with local partners, these efforts helped deliver a crop with built-in protection against a major insect pest—reducing pesticide use, improving farmer health, and strengthening food security.

The Bt Eggplant Advantage

  1. Increased Yields: With Bt eggplant, farmers experience significantly higher yields due to its natural resistance to common pests.
  2. Higher Incomes: Increased yields and reduced input costs lead to higher incomes for farming families, allowing them to invest in better education, healthcare, and improved living conditions.
  3. Reduced Pesticide Use: Farmers can minimize the use of chemical pesticides, improving farmer health and reducing costs.
  4. Sustainable Farming: Bt eggplant supports sustainable farming practices, contributing to long-term agricultural productivity and food security.
armful of eggplants
Woman harvests Bt eggplant

Voices from the Field

Discover the experiences of farmers who have embraced Bt eggplant and transformed their livelihoods. Through their personal stories, learn how this innovative crop is helping to improve incomes, reduce pesticide use, and support healthier communities.

Moushami Akhter

Plant Nursery Owner, Joypurhat

Sabrina Afrin

Farmer, Khulna

Akhtaruzzaman Amirul

Farmer, Khulna

Munnujan Begum

Plant Nursery Owner, Joypurhat

Anima Biswas

Plant Nursery Owner, Jashore

Parul Begum

Farmer, Joypurhat

Abul Hasan

Farmer, Khulna

Azhar Ali Mondal

Farmer, Gaibandha

I would like to tell my fellow farmers that we should cultivate Bt eggplant. Even in a small area, planting Bt eggplant yields a lot of crops, and they are visually appealing and cost-effective in every way.

Akhtaruzzaman AmirulFarmer, Koyra

I have earned a profit by selling Bt eggplant seedlings, and as a result, I have achieved self-dependence. With the extra income I earn, I am able to provide my children with financial support and enroll them in better schools.

Moushumi AkhterPlant Nursery Owner, Joypurhat

With Bt eggplant, I spent far less on insecticides and harvested much more compared to traditional varieties. This crop has been a game-changer for my family

Abul HasanFarmer, Koyra

Every time I dig the soil and plant seeds on my farm, it’s because I am determined to create a better life for my daughters. Day by day, I work hard not only to grow crops but also to create opportunities for them. I want to give them a life full of possibilities. By using Bt eggplant, farmers can reduce health risks and save both time and money. Thus, it is an environmentally friendly and healthy choice

Anima BiswasPlant Nursery Owner, Jashore