Feed the Future has a mission to build a more prosperous, stable and secure world. Through the Insect-Resistant Eggplant Partnership based at Cornell University, we advance that mission by responding to the needs of farmers and collaborating with local partners to develop and deliver improved varieties of Bt eggplant. This proven biotechnology supports farmer prosperity and safeguards the health of our environment.
Safeguarding farmer health
Farmers growing traditional eggplant in Bangladesh must engage in intensive insecticide spraying multiple times each week, often without any protective equipment, in order to protect their fields from the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB). A report by the International Food Policy and Research Institute demonstrated decreased occurrences of pesticide-related symptoms and the subsequent need to seek medical care.
Protecting the environment
Growing Bt eggplant allows farmers to thwart insect pests with far less use of harmful chemicals. Studies in Bangladesh have shown that farmer growing Bt eggplant use 61% less insecticide than conventional eggplant farmers. Reduced pesticide use means less runoff into the environment while still keeping crops safe.
Increasing economic opportunities
Farmers growing Bt eggplant have been shown to reap higher rewards in the marketplace. In Bangladesh, Bt eggplant varieties have a 19.6% higher average yield and produce 21.7% higher revenue for farmers. These farmers have received a six-fold higher return per hectare, providing essential extra income to support families throughout South Asia.BUILDING RESILIENCE
Women Empowerment
The Women-led Nursery Enterprise Model is about more than just planting seeds; it’s about cultivating opportunities for women. The initiative directly partners with women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh to provide the essential tools and resources needed for their agricultural businesses to thrive and generate income.
A Decade of Bt Eggplant in Bangladesh
In 2014, Bangladesh became the first nation in South Asia to embrace the commercial cultivation of genetically engineered food crops. Over the past decade, the journey of Bt eggplant in Bangladesh has been one of enhanced food security and economic opportunities for farmers.
Better Health For Farmers
Ansar Ali earned just 11,000 taka – about $130 U.S. dollars – growing traditional eggplant in Bangladesh. After planting Bt eggplant, he more than doubled that amount. It’s a life-changing improvement for a subsistence farmer like Ali.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT BT EGGPLANT
Bt Eggplant by the numbers
A snapshot of our innovation ecosystem.
6
Increase in farmers’ net income when growing Bt eggplant
21
Increase in gross revenue for farmers
19.6
Higher fruit yield for farmers growing Bt brinjal
