Cornell has received $10 million in grant funding under the US Agency for International Development (USAID) project Feed the Future to support the development of genetically engineered aubergine (brinjal) varieties with resistance to insects in order to enhance food security in Bangladesh and the Philippines. The project will aid local scientists in the development of locally adapted aubergine varieties, while engaging with policymakers on regulatory pathways to support their release. The project will combine agricultural and social science expertise with the aim of providing socio-economic benefits. Aubergine is rich in fibre and antioxidants but is susceptible to insect pest pressure, with GM varieties possessing insect resistance showing increases in yields and reductions in pesticide costs. Insect resistant brinjal was first registered in Bangladesh in 2013 (see AgbioNews Nov 22, 2013) and was commercialised in 2014. Growers in Bangladesh planted approximately 12,000 hectares of insect resistant brinjal in 2020, approximately 6% of the country's brinjal area.