Hi all
I understand that the subject of GMO crops and subsistence farmers is off topic for beekeeping but I think it only fair to present the picture as seen by actual farmers, say in Bangladesh

A Bangladesh newspaper is reporting the story of farmer Aminul Islam, who has successfully grown Bt brinjal (eggplant) without using pesticides.

Farmers growing brinjal, a staple vegetable crop in Bangladesh, typically must spray their fields every one to two days — or 80-100 times during the growing season. But by using eggplant that is genetically engineered to resist the fruit and shoot borer pest, farmers like Aminul have been able to greatly reduce or eliminate their use of pesticides. They’ve also been able to achieve a higher yield, and attract more customers.

The demand of this brinjal is higher in the market as it’s produced without pesticide and chemical fertilization. Aminul has already earned BDT 16000 (US$200) from his produce.  He said that demand of the brinjal is higher during Ramandan and he is getting more profit now.  He is happy cultivating Bt brinjal for low production cost, higher yield and better harvest.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Abu Sayeed Md. Fazle Elahi said that vegetable production is increasing in the upazila [region] for growing brinjal in the fallow lands. Farmers are producing vegetable crops without applying pesticide and chemical fertiliser. On the one hand, the farmers are benefited by cultivating this brinjal for its low production cost and on the other hand, consumers are getting pesticide free vegetables.

source: The Cornell Alliance for Science

The Cornell Alliance for Science has no affiliation with any biotechnology industry organizations.

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