Nano urea breakthrough set to transform farming

A groundbreaking innovation from Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) is set to revolutionise Bangladesh’s agriculture sector.

Scientists at JUST have developed a form of nano urea that could slash fertiliser costs by up to 82% compared to conventional urea currently available in the market.

Researchers say the eco-friendly technology promises not only major savings for farmers but also holds the potential to drive broader sustainable change across the national economy.

The innovation is led by Dr Md Zaved Hossain Khan, professor of Chemical Engineering and chief researcher at the Laboratory of Nano-Bio and Advanced Material Engineering (NAME Lab) at JUST. After seven years of intensive research, Dr Khan developed a spray-based nano fertilizer, which recently achieved international recognition through a partnership with Kulabio, a US-based organic fertiliser company.

What is Nano Urea?

Nano urea is an advanced form of urea fertiliser composed of ultra-fine particles that are sprayed directly onto plant leaves. Thanks to its nanoscale size, plants absorb it far more efficiently, reducing wastage and preventing soil degradation—issues commonly associated with traditional urea use.

“We have developed a nano fertiliser that can be applied to one bigha of land at a cost of just Tk230, compared to around Tk4,200 for conventional urea," Dr. Khan explained. "This represents a cost reduction of nearly 82%. Moreover, it’s an environmentally sustainable solution."

Field trials conducted in Sherpur upazila of Bogura district have shown promising results, with farmers reporting higher yields and significantly reduced production costs.

On April 23, 2025, JUST and Kulabio signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the innovation. The agreement was signed by Dr Frederic Kendirgi, vice-president of Kulabio, and Dr Md Zaved Hossain Khan on behalf of JUST.

Under the partnership, Kulabio will adopt JUST’s nano urea technology and, in exchange, will share its own organic fertilizer research with the NAME Lab. The two institutions will collaborate on joint research and production over the next five years.

“I visited Kulabio’s facility in Boston and had extensive discussions with their President, Dr Harrison Yun," Dr Khan said. "They showed strong interest in our innovation and plan to visit our lab in Bangladesh soon."

Bangladesh currently consumes about 3 million tonnes of urea annually, with nearly 80% imported. In the fiscal year 2024 alone, urea imports cost the government Tk7,169 crore. Experts believe that widespread adoption of nano urea could halve this cost while significantly reducing environmental damage.

What began as an academic experiment is now blossoming into an international success story. As global partnerships form around this homegrown innovation, Bangladesh’s agriculture sector stands on the brink of a greener, more cost-effective future.

Nano urea could very well be a game-changer—lowering farming costs, boosting yields, and promoting environmentally friendly agriculture. It marks a promising new chapter in the country’s pursuit of agricultural sustainability.