Soybean research workshop held at GAU

A workshop on “Soybean Research” was held at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU), organized by the Department of Agronomy with support from Solidaridad Network Asia and Grameen Euglena. The event brought together researchers, academicians and students to exchange knowledge on recent advancements, innovations and future directions in soybean research. The workshop took place on Thursday (May 7) at the Agrometeorology Department Conference Room of the university, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. GKM Mustafizur Rahman attended the event as chief guest, while former Agronomy professor and pioneer of soybean research in Bangladesh Dr. M. Abdul Karim chaired the session. Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. M. Moynul Haque and Treasurer Prof. Dr. Md. Safiul Islam Afrad were present as special guests. Teachers and students from different departments of GAU, along with participants from International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), attended the workshop. Mohammad Moziball Hoque, Head of Supply Chain of Solidaridad Network Asia in Bangladesh, was also present. Speakers highlighted soybean’s nutritional value, production potential and growing importance in Bangladesh’s agricultural economy. Discussions noted that Bangladesh annually requires nearly 1.6 million metric tons of soybean, while local production remains only around 300,000-400,000 metric tons. The country also spends nearly Tk 56,000 crore every year on soybean and related imports. Participants emphasized that expanding soybean cultivation could significantly reduce import dependency and create export opportunities with positive economic impacts. In his address, the Vice-Chancellor said soybean contains nearly 40 percent protein, making it a vital source of nutrition for both humans and livestock. He stressed the need for a national-level consortium to strengthen soybean research and production across the country. The second session featured presentations on vegetable. soybean research by Prof. Dr. M. A. Mannan, alongside research findings and future development strategies presented by students. The workshop concluded with active participation and vibrant discussions, reinforcing GAU’s growing role in advancing soybean research in Bangladesh. Notably, the Department of Agronomy at GAU has so far developed six soybean varieties with distinct characteristics.