Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) on Thursday called for expanded soybean cultivation and stronger research collaboration as Bangladesh continues to depend heavily on imports to meet rising domestic demand for the crop.
The discussion came at a workshop on soybean research held at the university’s Agrometeorology Department Conference Room, where researchers and academics said Bangladesh requires nearly 1.6 million tonnes of soybean annually but currently produces only around 3,00,000 to 4,00,000 tonnes, forcing the country to spend about Tk56,000 crore each year on soybean and related imports, said a press release.
The workshop was organised by the Department of Agronomy with support from Solidaridad Network Asia and Grameen Euglena.
Gazipur Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Professor GKM Mustafizur Rahman attended the programme as chief guest, while former Agronomy professor and soybean researcher Professor M Abdul Karim chaired the session.
GAU Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor M Moynul Haque and Treasurer Professor Md Safiul Islam Afrad attended as special guests.
Participants from different departments of the university and the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology also joined the event alongside Solidaridad Network Asia Bangladesh Head of Supply Chain Mohammad Moziball Hoque.
Speakers highlighted soybean’s growing importance in Bangladesh’s agricultural economy and stressed its nutritional and commercial value.
They said wider soybean cultivation could help reduce import dependence while opening export opportunities and generating broader economic benefits.
Addressing the programme, GAU Vice-Chancellor Professor GKM Mustafizur Rahman said soybean contains nearly 40 per cent protein, making it an important nutritional source for both humans and livestock.
He also stressed the need for a national consortium to strengthen soybean research and production efforts across Bangladesh.
The second session featured a presentation on vegetable soybean research by Professor MA Mannan, along with research findings and future strategies presented by students.
The workshop ended with discussions on strengthening Bangladesh’s soybean sector and expanding research activities at the university.
The Department of Agronomy at GAU has so far developed six soybean varieties with different characteristics.
