– Nano fertilizer promises to be a game-changer for the industry
In another significant leap toward modernizing Guyana’s agriculture sector, Agriculture Minister Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha on Wednesday launched Guyana’s first-ever nano-technology fertilizer at the Burma Rice Research Station, Mahaicony. The launch represents another key step in the government’s mission to enhance productivity, reduce input costs, and promote sustainable farming practices across the country.
Speaking at the event, Minister Mustapha underscored that the introduction of nano fertilizers marks a new era in Guyana’s rice cultivation and agricultural innovation.
“The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), in partnership with the Government of Guyana and our hardworking rice farmers, is leading a revolution in rice production in Guyana. Investments, increased farmer engagement, and other timely interventions have resulted in increased yield in Guyana’s rice industry. Over the last four years, rice yields increased from 5.4 tonnes per hectare to 6.6 tonnes per hectare. This represents an increase in rice production from 559,789 tonnes in 2021 to 725,282 tonnes in 2024, and we are on track to meet the target of 824,000 tonnes for 2025. And it is projected that by 2030, Guyana will be producing more than one million tonnes of rice. From developing new varieties, to digitizing rice lands, to commissioning state-of-the-art seed facilities, to providing crop insurance, to reaching new markets, every initiative has been a brick in the foundation of a resilient, modern rice industry,” Minister Mustapha said.
He added that the adoption of nano fertilizer will further boost yields while minimizing environmental impacts.
“We anticipate that widespread adoption of this high-efficiency fertilizer will significantly help us meet our national rice yield and acreage targets, ensuring we maintain our competitive edge in the regional and international markets. This fertilizer is a representation of the steps this government takes that will drive our push toward agricultural transformation under the vision set by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Our success in rice production is not just a Guyanese matter; it is a regional imperative. This technological leap contributes directly to the CARICOM 25 by ’25 +5 Initiative, a goal led by our President to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25% by 2025,” Minister Mustapha noted.
The Minister further explained that nano fertilizers deliver nutrients with far greater precision and efficiency.
Because it is composed of only 8% nitrogen, it places a significantlylower nitrogen load on the soil, reducing emissions and the sector’s overall carbon footprint. Nano fertilizers supply approximately80% of the nutrients needed by crops, compared to 35% achieved with conventional fertilizers. When applied directly to leaves, it allows for rapid absorption, higher efficiency, and comparable or even improved yields compared to traditional nitrogen fertilizers.
Dr. G.R.N. Rao, Director at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), emphasized that the integration of nano fertilizers represents a transformative step.
“Nano Urea offers a competitive edge in all aspects of fertilizer application. By integrating nano fertilizers with conventional farming methods, TERI estimates a potential 50% reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers in the medium term, signaling a crucial move towards sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. Its application involves spraying nanoparticles directly onto plant leaves, ensuring precise nutrient delivery, reduced wastage, minimal environmental impact, and enhanced crop yields. In addition to rice, Nano Urea is suitable for a wide range of crops, including vegetables, soybeans, sugarcane, fruits such as bananas, papayas, and watermelons, millets, turmeric, and floriculture,” Dr. Rao explained.
The introduction of nano fertilizers in Guyana began inmid-2022, following a collaboration between theGuyana Rice Development Board (GRDB)and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)of India. Early trials included various nano formulations such asBoron, DAP, NPK,and a growth-promoting NPK blend.
This partnership deepened after theHonourable Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s visit to India in early 2023, where aMemorandum of Understanding (MoU)was signed between theGovernment of GuyanaandTERIto advance sustainable agricultural practices in Guyana. Acting on the Vice President’s directive, the testing of Nano Ureawas prioritized and initiated at theBurma Rice Research Station, where demonstration trials have been successfully conducted over four crop seasons since April 2023.
To ensure asustainable and continuous supplyof nano fertilizers in Guyana, TERI has also expressed its readiness toestablish a local production facility, which would enable Guyana to become a regional hub for nano fertilizer manufacturing and distribution.
The launch of Nano Urea signals the government’s continued commitment toinnovation, climate-smart innovation, and sustainability.
