The Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka has been conducting research to develop, introduce new crops and crop varieties which are suitable for growing in Bangladesh and which are capable of ensuring better return to the farmers and to meeting people’s food and nutritional requirements.
Recently a new crop named TOMATILLO (of Mexican origin) has been developed which is similar to tomatoes but more profitable, nutritious, and pest and disease resistant. Tomatillo has medicinal values too. Among other things, tomatillo contains anti-cancer element. Prof. Dr. Nahid Zeba of the Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding conducted research on Tomatillo and succeeded in introducing the new vegetables in Bangladesh. After successful field trials in four districts of Bangladesh, SAU Tomatillo 1 and SAU Tomatillo 2 is now ready for release.
Recent research accomplishments also include development of another green leafy vegetable called Rucola. Associate Professor Dr. Md. Abdur Rahim of the same department has successfully grown Rucola plant which possesses a great medicinal value. The property of Rucola to controlling certain human diseases and disorders like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases has already been proven from scientific research. All the parts of Rucola except roots are edible and can be consumed as salad or cooked item.
We sincerely hope that both Tomatillo and Rucola will soon get popularity among the farmers and consumers and these crops will soon prove their economic and nutritional values.
Yours truly,
Professor M Zahidul Haque
Department of Agricultural Extension & Information System
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University
Dhaka-1207.
