Impact of genetically modified Brinjal (Bt brinjal) on farmers’ income and production in Pabna District, Bangladesh

Abstract

Approval of Bt brinjal cultivation represents a crucial step forward for Bangladesh in agricultural biotechnology. However, the scalability of Bt brinjal adoption faces barriers, mainly due to resistance from traditional farmers, the limited evidence suggesting its socioeconomic impacts and full realization of its benefits. This study evaluates the socio-economic impacts of Bt brinjal adoption in the Pabna District. The study analyzed the impacts based on data from 489 brinjal farmers, comprising 197 adopters of Bt brinjal and 292 non-adopters employing propensity score matching, a method that helps to reduce selection bias in observational studies. The findings reveal that Bt brinjal adoption increased brinjal yield by 5,845.33 kg per hectare and raised profits by 226,577.54 BD taka (equivalent to 1,884.95 USD) per hectare. Additionally, pesticide costs were reduced by 41,269.499 BD taka (equivalent to 343.38 USD) per hectare. The increased yield and income and reduced use of pesticides demonstrate the economic and environmental advantages of Bt brinjal adoption. To harness the full potential of Bt brinjal, policymakers could adopt strategies that enhance farmers’ access to Bt brinjal technology and disseminate its positive socio-economic and environmental advantages through targeted educational programs. Such initiatives encourage widespread adoption and contribute to sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.