Dhaka:The Bangladesh Patent Office has granted a patent for a domestically developed nano urea fertiliser, which is being celebrated as a significant advancement for sustainable agriculture and green technology in the country. The patent approval, finalized on October 25, follows an extensive five-year and two-month review process, offering new hope for stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the nano urea fertiliser, created by Dr Md. Javed Hossain Khan of Jashore University of Science and Technology, promises to drastically change the agricultural landscape in Bangladesh. The technology has shown a potential 95% reduction in production costs for farmers, as it is applied directly to plant leaves and absorbed efficiently, unlike conventional urea which largely evaporates or washes away.
The approval is expected to significantly reduce Bangladesh's dependency on imported urea, which currently accounts for about 80% of the 3 million metric tonnes used annually. This development has the potential to save billions in foreign exchange and decrease the government's subsidy burden, allowing those funds to be redirected to other national projects.
Environmental scientists view this patent as not only an economic advantage but also as a step forward in combating climate change. The nano urea does not release harmful gases into the atmosphere, preventing groundwater pollution and protecting soil bacteria, thereby contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr Javed's seven years of research culminated in this innovation, which has also gained recognition in the US market, leading to a technology transfer agreement with American bio-fertiliser manufacturer ColaBio. This milestone is expected to pave the way for commercial production and international cooperation.
Efforts are underway to ensure the rapid commercialisation of this technology, with calls for collaboration between the Ministry of Industries and the Ministry of Agriculture to set up production facilities. Training for farmers on the new application method is also being prioritised to maximise the benefits of this breakthrough.
The Vice-Chancellor of JUST, Professor Dr Yearul Kabir, hailed the patent as a source of national pride and a transformative force for the agricultural sector. Innovator Dr Javed Hossain Khan emphasised the urgency of bringing this technology to the field to benefit farmers and protect the environment. There is optimism that Bangladesh could become a fertiliser-exporting nation in the future if domestic demand is met and commercial production is scaled up successfully.
Source Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha