Bangladesh unveils drought-tolerant soybean hybrid for climate-hit farms
New GAU Soybean promises higher yields in drought-prone coastal regions, boosting food security and poultry feed supply
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Scientists in Bangladesh have developed the country’s first high drought-tolerant soybean hybrid, a breakthrough aimed at helping farmers cope with worsening climate stress and water scarcity.
Researchers at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) said the new variety, branded “GAU Soybean,” is designed to withstand prolonged dry spells while maintaining high yields — a crucial trait for Bangladesh’s vulnerable coastal belt. The university said the crop was formally approved for cultivation by the National Seed Board after extensive field trials.
The development follows nearly eight years of research led by agronomist Prof. Dr. MA Mannan. The variety emerged from a three-year screening of around 250 germplasm lines — genetically distinct seed samples — sourced from the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center in Taiwan, the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, and research partners in South Korea.
Five additional years of field trials were conducted in southern coastal districts including Noakhali, Lakshmipur and Bhola — areas regularly exposed to drought, soil salinity and erratic rainfall. Trials were supported by Solidaridad Network Asia, an international development group working on sustainable agriculture.
According to researchers, GAU Soybean can tolerate drought conditions equivalent to 50–60% of normal soil moisture capacity. Each plant produces between 80 and 100 pods, and yields range from 3.2 to 3.8 tonnes per hectare — higher than many conventional soybean varieties grown in the country.
The hybrid also matures quickly, within roughly three months, allowing farmers to harvest earlier and potentially fit additional crops into the growing calendar. Scientists say this could improve farm incomes in regions where shrinking planting windows have become a challenge due to climate volatility.
Another distinguishing feature is its low trypsin inhibitor content — a compound that can reduce protein digestibility in animal feed. Lower levels improve nutrient absorption, making the crop particularly valuable for Bangladesh’s fast-growing poultry sector.
Soybeans are globally recognized for their high protein and oil content. GAU Soybean contains an estimated 40–45% protein and 18–20% oil, making it a significant contributor to food and feed security in a country still battling malnutrition and rising import costs for edible oil and animal feed.
University officials described the release as a milestone for climate-resilient agriculture in Bangladesh, particularly for “char” regions — low-lying riverine islands prone to flooding, salinity intrusion and seasonal drought. Researchers say the variety could expand soybean cultivation into previously marginal lands and reduce climate-related crop losses.
As climate change intensifies across South Asia, scientists and policymakers increasingly see drought-resistant crops as essential tools for safeguarding rural livelihoods and national food systems.
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