A seminar titled “Nitrogen Scenario in South Asian Agriculture: Losses, Use Efficiency and Feasibility of Halving N Wastage” was held on 19 August 2026 at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur, Bangladesh. Organized by the Soil Science Society of Bangladesh, the seminar brought together agricultural scientists, researchers, soil science professionals, and students to discuss strategies for improving nitrogen fertilizer management and promoting sustainable agriculture across South Asia, including Bangladesh.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Prof. Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, Department of Soil Science, Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU). As the Bangladesh Lead of the UKRI GCRF South Asian Nitrogen Hub (SANH), Prof. Rahman synthesized key findings and outputs from SANH research across South Asian countries and presented them at the seminar. He highlighted the current patterns of nitrogen use and loss in South Asian agriculture, the low efficiency of nitrogen use, and the environmental and economic consequences of inefficient fertilizer management.
Prof. Rahman noted that South Asia is a hotspot of nitrogen pollution, where only about 20–30% of applied nitrogen is recovered in harvested crops, while the remaining 70–80% is lost to the environment through different pathways. These losses contribute to air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation, and economic losses for farmers.
He emphasized the need to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) through better fertilizer and crop management practices. He highlighted the potential of slow-release and efficient fertilizer technologies, including urea super granules (USG) and neem-coated urea, as well as organic amendments such as biochar and cow dung, to reduce nitrogen losses and improve fertilizer recovery. He stressed that integrated approaches combining improved fertilizer technologies, appropriate irrigation, organic amendments, and better crop management are essential for reducing nitrogen wastage and achieving more sustainable agricultural production.
The seminar was presided over by Dr. Md. Monowar Karim Khan, President of the Soil Science Society of Bangladesh. The event was attended by Prof. GKM Mustafizur Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of Gazipur Agricultural University, and Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, Director General of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI).