Introduction and Significance

Brinjal, or eggplant, is a versatile and widely cultivated vegetable crop in India, cherished for its adaptability to different agro-climatic conditions and its central role in regional cuisines. It is grown throughout the country, with West Bengal, Odisha, and Gujarat being among the leading producers. Often called the 'poor man's vegetable', its affordability and year-round availability make it a staple for a large section of the population. Economically, it is a significant cash crop for small and marginal farmers, providing a steady stream of income due to its long fruiting period. The sheer diversity in its shapes, sizes, and colours reflects its deep-rooted cultivation history. Nutritionally, brinjal is low in calories but a good source of dietary fibre, vitamins like B6, and minerals like manganese, along with beneficial antioxidants.

Brinjal cultivation is relentlessly challenged by severe pest and disease pressure. The Fruit and Shoot Borer (FSB) is the most destructive pest, capable of causing yield losses of up to 70%. It bores into shoots and fruits, rendering the produce unmarketable and forcing farmers to resort to frequent and heavy insecticide sprays. This not only escalates costs but also poses significant health and environmental risks. Bacterial wilt is another devastating soil-borne disease that can cause sudden wilting and death of the entire plant, leading to major field losses. Beyond these agronomic issues, brinjal farmers also face fluctuating market prices and a lack of organized marketing channels, often selling their produce in local markets where prices are dictated by middlemen, thereby reducing their profit margins.