Bangladesh : GAU develops high salt-tolerant wheat variety
Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) has developed a breakthrough wheat variety, **GAU gom 1**, that is high-yielding and highly salt-tolerant—ideal for Bangladesh’s saline-prone southern regions. Officially approved in June 2025, it matures in 95–100 days, yields up to 4.5 tons/hectare, and resists major diseases. This marks GAU’s 91st crop variety, reinforcing its role in sustainable agricultural innovation.
In a landmark achievement for agricultural innovation in Bangladesh, the Department of Agronomy at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) has successfully developed a premium-quality, high salt-tolerant, high-yielding wheat variety titled ‘GAU gom 1’.
The new variety was developed under the leadership of two eminent agricultural scientists, Prof Dr M Moynul Haque and Prof Dr Md Moshiul Islam. This innovative wheat variety, particularly suited for the saline-prone southern regions of the country, marks a significant milestone in GAU’s ongoing research and development efforts.
With this release, the number of crop varieties developed by GAU reaches 91, underscoring the university’s growing impact on national agriculture. Following extensive field research and performance trials conducted at GAU’s experimental plots, GAU gom 1 underwent on-farm trials in farmers’ fields across southern Bangladesh from 2021 to 2023.
These trials confirmed the variety’s resilience to salinity and its potential for high yield. Subsequently, under the supervision of the Seed Certification Agency and based on successful performance across six key evaluation sites, the National Seed Board officially approved GAU gom 1 as a high salt-tolerant variety on 17 June 2025.
GAU gom 1 is rich in protein, which aids in body tissue repair, boosts immunity, and supports energy metabolism. Its higher glutenin content makes it easily digestible and beneficial for human health. This variety can thrive in saline soils, helping regulate sodium chloride absorption and ensuring effective water and nutrient uptake a crucial trait for coastal and saline-prone regions.
Seed sown after the Aman harvest, the crop matures within just 95-100 days, allowing farmers to optimise land use and maximise annual productivity. GAU gom 1 features robust plant stature, thick stems, and an increased number of grains per spike, making it suitable for both grain and fodder purposes. The straw yield can significantly support livestock feed requirements.
It yields up to 4.5 tons per hectare on normal soils and 3.75 tons per hectare on saline soils, outperforming many conventional wheat varieties by an average of 10 to 15%. The variety is resistant to major wheat diseases like blast and rust and is adaptable to diverse agro-climatic conditions across the country. Confirmed through DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) testing with 13 key traits, GAU gom 1 is scientifically proven to possess superior and unique characteristics.
Speaking about the development, Prof Dr Md Moshiul Islam said, “GAU gom 1 is the result of years of dedicated research. It directly addresses the challenges of saline agriculture and offers farmers a reliable, high-yielding solution enhancing food security and profitability.”
Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr GKM Mustafizur Rahman said, “The development of GAU gom 1 is a milestone not just for GAU but for the entire agricultural sector. It opens up new possibilities for coastal farming and stands as a symbol of sustainable agriculture.” VC extended heartfelt appreciation to the research team, laboratory personnel, and field scientists for their contribution.
With the release of GAU gom 1, Gazipur Agricultural University reaffirms its commitment to sustainable agricultural innovation, improved farmer livelihoods, and national food security, he said. With the official release of GAU gom 1, Gazipur Agricultural University once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to agricultural advancement, sustainable farming, and the betterment of the lives of Bangladeshi farmers.
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Source : Daily Sun
