DHAKA, Aug 19, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) today organised a seminar titled "Nitrogen Scenario in South Asian Agriculture: Losses, Use Efficiency and Feasibility of Halving N Wastage" at its auditorium in Gazipur.

The seminar focused on nitrogen management, one of the major challenges to sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh and across South Asia.

President of the Soil Science Society of Bangladesh Dr Md Monowar Karim Khan presided over the seminar. 

Vice-Chancellor of Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) Prof Dr GKM Mustafizur Rahman, BRRI Director General Dr Md Rafiqul Islam, renowned soil scientist Dr Md Shahidul Islam, Prof Dr M Jahiruddin and BRRI Director (Administration and Common Service) Dr Aminul Islam, among others, took part in the discussion.

Professor of the Soil Science Department at GAU Dr Md Mizanur Rahman presented the keynote paper.

Heads of various research divisions and regional stations of BRRI, scientists, researchers, academics and members of the Soil Science Society of Bangladesh attended the seminar.

In his keynote presentation, Prof Dr Mizanur Rahman highlighted the current scenario of nitrogen use and losses in South Asian agriculture, low nitrogen-use efficiency, and the environmental and economic consequences of inefficient fertiliser use.

He stressed the need to improve nitrogen-use efficiency through slow-release fertilisers such as USG and neem-coated urea, organic amendments including biochar and vermicompost, alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation, and nano urea.

The participants expressed their commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation and research to reduce nitrogen wastage and losses, improve nutrient-use efficiency, protect the environment, and ensure sustainable agricultural production and food security in South Asia.