Photo : Collected

RAJSHAHI, Nov 5, 2025 (BSS)- Rajshahi University (RU) has become successful 
in enhancing the standard of food and its micronutrients through using plasma 
technology.

With this breakthrough, the extent of micronutrients in crops has been 
enhanced remarkably.

During their research, a research team of the Department of Electrical and 
Electronic Engineering (EEE) attained success in its Plasma Science and 
Technology Laboratory. 

PhD researcher Mamunur Rashid at the Institute of Biological Science led the 
research that was supervised by Lab Director Prof Mamunur Rashid Talukder.

Quoting the research findings Prof Mamunur Rashid Talukder said the amount of 
zinc could be enhanced by 59 percent in paddy, 204 percent in potato and 88 
percent in brinjal through plasma processing. Similar results have also been 
found in wheat, maize and spinach.

He said the research findings were published in the journal of plant growth 
regulation (Springer), Hellion (Elsevier) and plasma medicine.

According to the researchers, plasma technology not only enhances food 
micronutrients but also decreases production time by 15-20 days, enhances 
yield and plays an effective role to resist pests.

Mamunur Rashid said they have generated different kinds of plasma sources 
including gliding arc discharge, dielectric barrier discharge and glow 
discharge plasma. Germination rate and yield were enhanced significantly 
after seed treatment and applying plasma activation water through the plasma 
sources.

Technology innovator Prof Mamunur Rashid Talukder said use of plasma I n 
micronutrient fortification is the new dimension of their research.

He, however, said they did not have the necessary budget for expanding the 
technology to the farmers level. If the university administration, UGC and 
government extend support, the technology can be the sustainable solution for 
food security and nutrition improvement.