BRRI and ACI sign MoU for technology transfer of BRRI organic fertilizer

In a significant step towards ensuring sustainable, environment-friendly, and cost-effective rice production in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and Advanced Chemical Industries (ACI) PLC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the transfer of technology related to BRRI Organic Fertilizer. The MoU was formally signed on Sunday at 11:00 AM at the BRRI campus in Joydebpur, Gazipur. On behalf of ACI, Group Advisor Dr. F. H. Ansarey, and on behalf of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Director General Dr. Mohammad Khalekuzzaman signed the agreement, according to a press release.

 Under this agreement, BRRI will transfer its innovative BRRI Organic Fertilizer production technology to ACI PLC. Using this technology, ACI will produce and market high-quality organic fertilizer for farmers across the country. To ensure production efficiency and quality control, ACI will establish its own manufacturing facilities and modern laboratories.

Bashir Ahmed stated, “We are extremely pleased and optimistic to be associated with ACI Fertilizer’s BRRI Organic Fertilizer. ACI Fertilizer has always prioritized addressing the real challenges faced by farmers rather than focusing solely on financial gains. The BRRI-developed organic fertilizer, produced at ACI’s own manufacturing facilities, will not only reduce crop production costs for farmers but also ensure higher yields. Through this initiative, we firmly believe it will make a significant contribution to the agricultural economy.”

On behalf of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), the Director General, Dr. Mohammad Khalekuzzaman, said, "We are delighted to transfer the production technology of the BRRI-developed organic fertilizer to Advanced Chemical Industries (ACI) PLC. We believe that, through ACI PLC, this fertilizer will gain wide acceptance among farmers across the country, while maintaining the highest quality standards of BRRI Organic Fertilizer. This fertilizer will reduce the cost of rice production and further enhance the financial benefits for farmers.” BRRI Organic Fertilizer is an innovative and sustainable organic input developed using household waste, cow dung, poultry litter, rock phosphate, biochar, and beneficial microorganisms.

Research findings indicate that applying only 500–750 kg per hectare of BRRI Organic Fertilizer can completely replace phosphate fertilizer in rice cultivation. 

Additionally, reducing nitrogen fertilizer use by 25–30 percent while applying this organic fertilizer can achieve yields comparable to those obtained using 100 percent chemical fertilizers. The use of BRRI Organic Fertilizer enhances soil organic carbon, improves water-holding capacity, and increases beneficial microbial activity, resulting in stronger root development. Over time, it improves soil fertility and ensures sustainable rice yields while reducing environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Currently, the Government of Bangladesh provides substantial subsidies for urea and phosphate fertilizers in rice production. Large-scale adoption of BRRI Organic Fertilizer at the national level could eliminate the need for phosphate fertilizer and reduce urea consumption by approximately 30 percent, leading to significant savings in subsidy expenditures. BRRI and ACI PLC believe that BRRI Organic Fertilizer is not merely an alternative input but a transformative innovation that can ensure economic efficiency, environmental protection, and long-term food security in Bangladesh’s rice production system.