Assessing the market prospects of Bt eggplant in the Philippines

This research aimed to assess the market prospects of Bt eggplant at the seed market and food market levels. A survey of 30 eggplant growers, 30 traders (plus 10 traders in Divisoria, Metro Manila [Philippines]) and 30 consumers in each of the four major eggplant producing provinces of Pangasinan, Cebu, Iloilo, and Quezon [Philippines] was conducted. Seed suppliers (composed of 3 seed companies, 8 distributors, and 16 dealers) and the Local Government Units through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), the Municipality/City Agricultural Office (MAO/CAO) were likewise interviewed. The findings of the study revealed that while majority of the respondents were not aware about Bt eggplant, majority of the seed companies/distributors/dealers would be willing to sell Bt eggplant seeds; the farmers to adopt the Bt eggplant seeds; the traders to market Bt eggplant, the consumers to buy Bt eggplant, and the OPAg/MAO/CAO to promote Bt eggplant. Major reasons cited were the foreseen marketability of Bt eggplant seeds (for the seed suppliers), worsening FSB [fruit and shoot borer] infestation (for the farmers), anticipated profit (for traders), curiosity and perceived safety with less or no chemical spray (for consumers), and higher yield, expected increased returns and reduced cost of producing eggplant (for the OPAg/MAO/CAO). Majority of the farmers would be willing to pay for Bt eggplant seeds a price higher, than the price of existing eggplant seeds in the market mainly because of the large savings on the use of chemical pesticides. Although, seed suppliers wanted a lower price for Bt eggplant seeds, the price would still depend on the mark-up or pricing system of the seed companies. Traders and consumers in general suggested a lower price for Bt eggplant to make eggplant more affordable to consumers. The various industry stakeholders, however, need assurance about its safety to public health and the environment. Techno-demo, trainings, and seminars, and IEC [information, education, and communication] materials would be very helpful in disseminating the good attributes of the Bt eggplant technology particularly the expenses on chemical pesticides that farmers would be able to save in controlling the fruit and shoot borer in eggplant production.