Bt Eggplant in Bangladesh Increases Yields and Farmers’ Incomes, and Reduces Pesticide Use
A. Ahsanuzzaman and David Zilberman
from ARE Update Vol. 22, No. 2, Nov/Dec, 2018
Abstract
Genetically engineered (GE) Bt eggplant was introduced to Bangladesh in 2013 and by 2017, 18% of eggplant growers have adopted it. Our study, based on a survey of 481 farmers, indicates that adoption of Bt eggplant increases yield and profits. Farmers receive higher prices for GE eggplant compared to other varieties. The technology also reduced pesticide applications and thus has the potential to improve health and reduce environmental damage of farming. The level of adoption is likely to increase, and the success of Bt eggplant may lead to the adoption of GE varieties in other vegetable crops.
Keywords
diffusion, GMO, health risks, Prices
Citation
A. Ahsanuzzaman and David Zilberman. 2018. "Bt Eggplant in Bangladesh Increases Yields and Farmers’ Incomes, and Reduces Pesticide Use." ARE Update 22(2): 9-11. University of California Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics.
https://giannini.ucop.edu/filer/file/1552930264/19002/