Bangladeshis Demonstrate Positive Stance and Support in Bt Brinjal

The success of Bt brinjal in Bangladesh resulted in better insect control, lower input costs, higher yields, and increased income for farmers. To further accelerate the adoption of Bt brinjal in Bangladesh, a study conducted by researchers from Jahangirnagar University explored the public perceptions of Bt brinjal and the overall adoption of modern biotechnology in the country.

Bangladesh has long been engaged in the development of biotech crops. The country has also made significant progress in developing a robust regulatory system to ensure the safe adoption and consumption of genetically modified (GM) crops. However, previous studies showed that the lack of public engagement could hamper the performance of Bt brinjal and other GM crops in the market. Hence, the study aimed to gather insights from the public's knowledge, acceptance levels, and concerns about GM crops.

Out of the 1,000 responses collected, half of the respondents were already familiar with Bt brinjal. Notably, 70% of those familiar with Bt brinjal had a background in science and nearly half of those expressing willingness to purchase Bt brinjal also came from a science-related field. Overall, the respondents displayed a strong interest in the benefits of modern biotechnology, with 80% agreeing that modern biotechnology should be used to improve crops in Bangladesh.

The study highlighted the need to continue educating the public to ensure the adoption and acceptance of Bt brinjal and other GM crops. With the interviews showing a positive and supportive stance toward biotech, the authors suggest that a combination of government support, extension services, demonstration plots, information campaigns, success stories, and research efforts should be implemented to further improve the public's familiarity with Bt brinjal in Bangladesh.

For more information, read the study from Frontiers of Bioengineering and Biotechnology.