Nano urea to cut crop production cost, save billions in foreign exchange

The patent approval of a domestically developed nano urea fertiliser is being hailed as a historic and unprecedented 'game-changer' for sustainable agriculture and green technology in Bangladesh.

Following a rigorous five-year and two-month technical and legal scrutiny process, the Bangladesh Patent Office officially approved the patent for the eco-friendly and cost-effective 'Nano Urea Fertiliser' on 25 October, renewing optimism among stakeholders across the agricultural sector.

Developed by Dr Md. Javed Hossain Khan, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) and an internationally renowned nanotechnology researcher, this groundbreaking domestic technology is expected to completely transform the country's agricultural landscape once implemented at the field level.

95 percent savings in farmers' production costs:

Dr Javed Hossain Khan told the media that a significant portion (60-70%) of conventional granular urea evaporates into the air or washes away with rainwater after being applied to the soil. As a result, its efficiency in plant nutrient absorption is limited to just 30-35 percent, which drives up production expenses for farmers.

In contrast, the newly developed nano urea is applied directly to plant leaves as liquid microparticles using a spray machine. Since the particles are absorbed rapidly and directly through the microscopic pores (stomata) on the leaves, its efficiency exceeds 90 percent.

According to laboratory and field-level economic assessments, while conventional fertiliser costs a farmer 4,200 BDT (approx. $35) per bigha of land (approx. 0.33 acres), the same or an even better yield can be achieved using nano urea worth just 230 BDT (approx. $2). Consequently, the agricultural expenditure on fertiliser for marginal farmers will drop sharply by nearly 95%.

Saving foreign exchange and fertiliser subsidies:

According to agricultural economists cited in various national media outlets, Bangladesh consumes approximately 3 million metric tonnes of urea fertiliser annually, about 80 percent of which has to be imported from the international market at high prices. This requires the government to spend billions of dollars in foreign currency every year.

Simultaneously, the government has to allocate a massive chunk of the national budget on subsidies to provide cheap fertiliser to farmers, placing a heavy burden on the national economy. If the commercial production of Dr Javed's nano urea technology successfully commences in domestic factories, the country's import dependency on fertiliser is expected to drop to zero.

This will directly save billions of dollars in foreign exchange currently spent on urea imports, playing a historic role in strengthening the country's foreign exchange reserves. Furthermore, reducing the government's massive subsidy burden will allow those funds to be redirected to other national development sectors.

Combating climate change and 'Green Technology':

According to environmental scientists, this patent is not just an economic victory, but also international recognition of a revolutionary 'green technology' aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

The indiscriminate use of conventional granular urea releases nitrous oxide gas from the soil, a greenhouse gas nearly 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Because Dr Javed's nano urea is absorbed directly through the leaves, it does not release harmful gases into the atmosphere.

Additionally, it prevents nitrogen leaching (seeping deep into the ground), thereby halting groundwater pollution and protecting beneficial soil bacteria.

Experts believe that if this domestic technology can be successfully scaled up, Bangladesh will set a global example in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture).

Seven years of effort and the patent process:

Dr Javed Hossain Khan developed this nano urea fertiliser after seven years of relentless research, starting in 2019 at JUST's 'Nano-Bio and Advanced Materials Engineering (NAME) Lab'.

Although an application was filed with the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) in 2021 to protect the innovation, it remained pending for a long time. Ending the long anticipation, the Bangladesh Patent Office finalised the historic approval on 25 October 2026, issuing the certificate under Dr Javed's name.

Field-level efficacy and recognition in the US market:

According to laboratory sources at the university, following successful lab trials, long-term field tests were conducted on various crops across the Jashore (Abdulpur), Bogura (Sherpur), and Gazipur regions of Bangladesh. Farmers at the field level joyfully confirmed that they obtained higher yields compared to conventional fertilisers.

Beyond domestic success, this indigenous nanotechnology has successfully cleared several rigorous, international-standard scientific tests in the United States.

As a result of this remarkable success, a bilateral agreement for technology transfer and international commercial cooperation has already been signed with the prominent American bio-fertiliser manufacturer 'ColaBio'. This marks a unique milestone for a technology originating from a Bangladeshi university laboratory.

Commercial production and field-level challenges:

According to relevant agricultural economists, this patent approval completely clears the path for swift technology transfer and rapid commercial mass production through partnerships with major domestic and foreign industrial conglomerates.

Researchers emphasise the need for joint initiatives by the Ministry of Industries and the Ministry of Agriculture to quickly set up commercial plants by transferring the formula to state-owned fertiliser factories or top agro-industries under public-private partnerships (PPP).

At the same time, researchers stressed the importance of training marginal farmers across the country on the correct application method of this liquid fertiliser through field officers of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). This will also relieve farmers from the physical labour and transport costs of carrying heavy sacks of traditional fertiliser on their shoulders.

Reactions from the Vice-Chancellor and scientists:

Expressing immense joy over the patent acquisition, JUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Yearul Kabir stated that this achievement brings ultimate pride to the JUST family and the entire nation, and it will revolutionise the agricultural sector by slashing production costs and import dependency.

Innovator Dr Javed Hossain Khan, who was elected a fellow of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences in 2025, noted that it is highly critical to deliver this technology to the field rapidly for the welfare of marginal farmers and environmental protection.

Relevant quarters expressed optimism that if commercial mass production succeeds, Bangladesh could emerge as a fertiliser-exporting nation in the future after meeting its domestic demand.

Source: BSS