Researchers develop high-yielding fine rice ‘GAU Dhan 4’

Researchers at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) have developed a short-duration, high-yielding fine Aus rice variety named ‘GAU Dhan 4’, marking another significant milestone in the university’s agricultural research. 

The variety was developed through nearly a decade of dedicated research led by renowned agronomists Prof M Moynul Haque and Prof Md Moshiul Islam of the Department of Agronomy. 

With the release of GAU Dhan 4, the total number of crop varieties developed by the university has reached 95, including four rice varieties. 

Aus rice in Bangladesh typically yields less compared to Aman and Boro seasons. However, GAU Dhan 4 stands out for its short maturity period and higher productivity, enabling farmers to harvest the crop quickly and cultivate three to four crops annually on the same land. 

This feature is expected to be particularly beneficial for farmers in monga-prone northern regions, while its lower water requirement also makes it suitable for Aus cultivation across most parts of the country. 

The development of GAU Dhan 4 followed a systematic breeding process. To meet the growing demand for fine rice, researchers crossed the Aus variety Parija with BU Dhan 2, producing the promising line GAU-9974-52-7-2 after a decade of selection and testing. 

The line underwent adaptability and multi-location trials across Bangladesh from 2022 to 2024 under the Bangladesh Seed Certification Agency. 

The National Seed Board formally approved the variety as ‘GAU Dhan 4’ at its 115th meeting on 5 February 2026. Its rice grains contain about 24.58% amylose, aiding efficient carbohydrate digestion and energy supply, along with around 8.38% protein, which plays an important role in human growth and tissue repair. 

GAU Dhan 4 produces long, slender grains and matures within 90-100 days after sowing. The thousand-grain weight is about 20 grammes and under favourable conditions, it can yield around 5-5.5 tonnes per hectare. Farmers require only 25-30kg of seed per hectare, making it economically attractive. 

The variety also shows improved tolerance to common diseases, delivering 10-15% higher yield than conventional varieties. It performs best in sandy loam to clay loam soils, with seedbed sowing recommended in the first week of April and transplanting after 20-22 days, maintaining 20cm × 15cm spacing. 

Prof Md Moshiul Islam, one of the lead developers, said the goal was to develop a short-duration, high-yielding Aus rice with fine, market-preferred grains. 

He hoped that the variety would increase farmers’ income and strengthen national food security. 

Congratulating the researchers, GAU Vice-Chancellor Prof GKM Mustafizur Rahman said the development of GAU Dhan 4 reflects the dedication and expertise of the university’s scientists. 

He expressed hope that the new variety would create new opportunities for farmers and contribute significantly to improving agricultural productivity in Bangladesh.