RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS
The University conducts two main streams of research, namely, the degree research and the project research, the former being supervised by the teachers for postgraduate students at both M.S. and Ph.D. levels while the problem-solving research projects are conducted with sponsorship accorded either by the University or the external funding agencies. The Committee for Advanced Studies and Research (C.A.S.R) was responsible for coordinating both streams of research for more than two decades. However, for proper coordination and management of research projects, BAU Research System (BAURES) was established in 1984. Since its establishment, BAURES has successfully completed 322 research projects (BAURES Publications)and has at present 112 ongoing projects. The ongoing research projects also include a number of projects, which have been funded by different international development agencies like International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Department for International Development (DfID) of UK, Norwegian Agency for International Development (NORAD), International Foundation for Science (IFS) etc. In addition to BAURES, there are two BUREAUS, responsibile for management of research, testing, training and consultation. The University through its research activities has succeeded in developing and releasing a number of important crop cultivars, techniques and technologies which have direct bearings on nation's agricultural growth. They include :
Crop cultivars and agronomic practices: Two modern varieties of rice under the name BAU-63 and BAU-16, two HYV mustard seed under the name of 'Sampad' and 'Sambal', four soybean cultivars named as Devis, Bragg, 'Sohag' and G-2, two sweet potato cultivars named as 'Kamala Sundari' and 'Tripti', three Mukhi Kachu (Colocasia esculenta) cultivars in the name of 'Latiraj', 'Bilashi' and 'Dowlatpuri' (in collaboration with Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute), techniques of producing rhizobial biofertilizer, soil testing kit, techniques of controlling guava wilt, improved production technology of banana and pine apple, production of poultry vaccine, grafting of African 'dhaincha', cultivation of perennial leafy vegetables, development of biogas plant etc. A Central Laboratory to strengthen the research activities of BAU and specially, to enhance its research capability in the field of genetic engineering and biotechnology is being set up.
Veterinary services: Production of vaccine, development of vaccine against Ranikhet disease and fowl pox
Animal Husbandry: Improved varieties of scavenging poultry, balanced poultry feed, artificial animal insemination, urea-molasses treated straw blocks as cattle feed.
Agricultural Engineering: Development of modern methods for preservation of fruit juice, improved plough, seed drilling machine, fertilizer spray machine, solar dryer, low-cost irrigation channel, soil-cement and ferro-cement grain storage structure.
Fisheries: Fish and shrimp culture in paddy field, development of fish feed for Indian major carps and walking catfish (Clarias batrachus), artificial breeding technique for 'walking catfish ' and 'stinging catfish' (Heteropneustes fossilis), etc.
The names of on-going BAU research projects supported by international agencies are given below :
IFS : Development of four species polyculture systems in Bangladesh; Role of the microsporidian pathogen (Vairimorgha necatrix) in controlling Jute hairy caterpillar (Spilosma bliqua W); The qualitative and quantitative study of feeding and feeding mechanism of Barbus gonionotus; Upgrading of the jel quality of the minces from by-catch and underutilized fish species; Diet formulation for Indian major carp (Labeo rohita) using various commercially available indigenous ingredients; Pathogenesis of duck plague.
FF : Farming system and environmental studies.
IAEA : Effect of urea-molasses block without or with by-pass protein source in straw based diet on the performance of indigenous cows and heifers under village condition of Bangladesh; The possible cause of fertilization failure after AI and the effect of possible interventions on the improvement of post-AI fertility in the bovine in Bangladesh.
DFID : Introduction of fodder legumes into rice-based cropping system and their use as supplements in straw-based rating for dairy cattle in Bangladesh; Improvements in the production of livestock products in peri-urban areas of cities.
NORAD : Environmental impact of shrimp farming.
EEC : The potential of periphyton-based aquaculture systems in South Asia.
Belgium-Bangladesh Coordinated Project : Lathyrus and Lathyrism.
BAU is also involved in a collaborative project on Integrated Farming Development in Bangladesh (IFDB) funded by Rotary International with assistance from Australian aid. The project is now working in two villages of Mymensingh with the objective of developing a model for poverty alleviation.