The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) has recently developed a high quality bacterial fertiliser which can be a blessing for Bangladesh. Every year, nearly 28 lakh tonnes of urea is needed for agricultural production in Bangladesh. Out of this amount, some 12 lakh tonnes have to be imported. There are many adverse effects that surface in the production, import and use of such chemical fertilisers. Gas supply to power generation units cannot be maintained at the desired level from the need to supply the fertiliser factories.

Then again, the prices of imported fertilisers are sharply on the rise. Urea had to be imported at double its price during the current year due to the increased price of it in international markets. Experts are warning Bangladesh about the use of chemical fertilisers that deplete soil's natural fertility. Thus, large scale use of the BINA-invented fertiliser can be considered to bring about favourable changes in agriculture in areas of costs, safety and import substitution.

This bacterial fertiliser can be marketed at a price far lower than the price of imported urea fertiliser. Indeed, the import of such fertiliser can become unnecessary from its use and there would a big saving of resources as a consequence from import substitution. Another very welcome aspect of its use will be preserving or even enhancing the fertility of the soil. The gas now used for producing fertilisers can be diverted to power generating plants to produce badly needed power. Thus, in view of all of these positive developments to gain from, the government should lose no time to help popularise extensive use of this fertiliser if field tests do not show adverse impacts. There are also other organic fertilisers in the country which deserve to be promoted.