Bangladesh is currently facing a severe energy and agricultural crisis. Recent conflicts involving Iran, the United States, and Israel have caused significant global disruptions in energy supply. Instability along critical Middle Eastern energy routes and supply interruptions have led to a severe gas shortage in the country. The crisis is so severe that 5 out of 6 urea fertiliser factories in Bangladesh have been forced to shut down. As a result, the country’s agricultural production has become directly dependent on global geopolitics – a highly risky situation.
Bangladesh requires approximately 2.8–3.0 million metric tons of urea annually, a significant portion of which must be imported. To make this urea affordable for farmers, the government provides subsidies covering up to 70% of the cost, resulting in annual expenditures of around 14,000–15,000 crore BDT and a significant outflow of foreign currency. In the current global economic situation, where foreign currency reserves are crucial, this expenditure represents a major financial burden. The question arises – can this cost be reduced more efficiently?
The disruptions caused by the Russia–Ukraine war have affected the supply of energy and natural gas, the primary raw materials for urea production. Due to the gas shortage, several urea factories in Bangladesh have been forced to reduce production or shut down partially, decreasing domestic output and increasing reliance on imports. International urea prices have also become unstable, placing the agricultural sector at further risk. In other words, we are relying on a system over which we have very limited control. In this context, a domestic, sustainable, and scientific solution is already available – nano-urea.
Nano-urea is an advanced fertiliser in which nitrogen particles are prepared at the nanoscale (approximately 20–50 nanometers). Due to their extremely small size, these particles can easily penetrate plant stomata and cell walls and act directly at the cellular level. When conventional urea is applied to soil, about 60–70% of nitrogen is lost through leaching, volatilisation, and denitrification. Much of the applied urea is not effectively used by plants, and a large portion is released into the atmosphere as nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas – about 300 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. This not only causes economic losses but also contributes to environmental degradation. Nano-urea, on the other hand, delivers targeted nutrition to plants, increasing nitrogen use efficiency to 70–80%. This means higher crop yields with less fertiliser. Research shows that the use of nano-urea can reduce total carbon emissions by 70–80%, a highly significant factor for Bangladesh, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.
Nano-urea was developed in 2021 at the NAME Laboratory of Jashore University of Science and Technology. Over the past five years, extensive field trials have been conducted across the country, particularly in rice cultivation. Results have been highly promising. For example, while conventional urea produces approximately 22 mon of rice per bigha, nano-urea increases yield to 23.5 mon per bigha. At the same time, fertiliser usage is significantly reduced, lowering production costs for farmers.
Nano-fertilisers have also shown positive effects on high-value crops such as tomatoes and strawberries. International studies indicate that nano-fertilisers improve crop nutritional value, enhance antioxidant properties, and increase overall productivity. In other words, they not only increase yield but also improve food quality.
Other countries have strategically adopted this technology. India has set an example by commercially producing nano-urea and widely distributing it to farmers. China, Brazil, Argentina, and the United States are also rapidly advancing in nano-fertiliser technology. Global demand is increasing quickly, presenting a significant future economic opportunity. Bangladesh, if it chooses, can position itself not only as a consumer but also as a producer of this technology. The biggest advantage is that this technology can be produced domestically using easily accessible raw materials. This would reduce import dependence, save foreign currency, and establish a new industrial sector. With proper planning and policy, the government could save up to 15,000 crore BDT annually. This is not just a possibility; it is a real economic opportunity.
The main barrier to realising this potential is the lack of clear policies. Currently, Bangladesh has no defined national policy for the use of nanotechnology in agriculture. As a result, research exists, but commercial production and marketing face obstacles. Licensing procedures are complex, approval systems are slow, and there is no specific framework for quality control. Entrepreneurs are discouraged, and domestic innovation is stalling. Additionally, farmers have limited awareness of nano-fertilisers and lack proper training for their use. Without pilot projects and expansion programs at the government level, the technology cannot spread rapidly in the field. Technology exists, but implementation does not.
It is now time to adopt an integrated, science-based, and forward-looking policy. Develop a national policy for the use of nanotechnology in agriculture. Launch large-scale field pilot projects through BRRI, BARI, and other research institutions. Facilitate production and investment for domestic entrepreneurs. Establish a dedicated regulatory framework for quality control and safety verification. Implement farmer training and awareness programmes.
If Bangladesh seizes this opportunity now, it can reduce urea import dependence and establish a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and technology-driven agricultural system. This would not only positively impact the agricultural sector but also the overall economy.
The time is now – decision must be made. By valuing domestic innovation, Bangladesh can move towards a science-based agricultural revolution.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author
The writer is a Professor & Chairman, Department of Chemical Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Bangladesh
