GAU scientists secure patent for innovative technology transforming jackfruit seeds into mineral-rich nutrient concentrate for healthier foods. Photo : BSS

GAZIPUR, July 29, 2026 (BSS) - Scientists at Gazipur Agricultural University 
(GAU) have developed an innovative technology to produce a mineral-rich 
nutrient concentrate from jackfruit seeds, transforming the agricultural 
waste into a valuable nutritional resource. 

The breakthrough has earned a patent from the government of Bangladesh.

Every year, large quantities of jackfruit are produced across Bangladesh, 
including in Gazipur. Due to inadequate preservation facilities and weak 
marketing systems, a significant portion of the fruit is wasted during the 
peak harvesting season. Jackfruit seeds, peels, and other by-products are 
often discarded despite containing valuable nutrients.

The patented technology was jointly developed by Professor Dr. Md. Emdadul 
Haque, a renowned food scientist from the Department of Food Engineering and 
his postgraduate researcher Md. Akram Hossain. 

Their research focuses on extracting and concentrating essential minerals 
from jackfruit seeds for use as a functional food ingredient.

The innovation was completed in November 2025 following three years of 
research conducted under the active patronage of Vice-Chancellor (VC) 
Professor Dr. GKM Mostafizur Rahman. 

It is the first patented invention since the institution was renamed Gazipur 
Agricultural University and brings the university's total number of patented 
technologies to 21, marking a significant achievement in its research and 
technology commercialization efforts.

According to the research findings, dried jackfruit seeds normally contain 
around two percent minerals. Using the newly-developed technology, however, 
the mineral concentration can be increased to more than 33 percent, 
representing a 16- to 17-fold increase over the original content.

Minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and 
manganese play a vital role in human growth, bone and tooth development, 
blood formation, proper nerve and muscle function, and strengthening the 
immune system. 

Deficiencies of these essential nutrients remain a major cause of 
malnutrition among many people in Bangladesh. Researchers believe the newly 
developed mineral concentrate can be incorporated into processed foods to 
significantly enhance their nutritional value.

Speaking to BSS, the VC Professor Dr. GKM Mostafizur Rahman described the 
achievement as more than just a patent.

"This is not merely a patent, it represents a new milestone in Bangladesh's 
agricultural, food and nutrition research. Our researchers have demonstrated 
that agricultural waste can be transformed into high-value resources. Our 
ultimate goal is to adapt this laboratory innovation for industrial 
application and improve people's quality of life," he said.

Lead researcher Professor Dr. Md. Emdadul Haque said commercial application 
of the technology could pave the way for the production of a new generation 
of nutrient-enriched food products in Bangladesh.

He said that the innovation has the potential to reduce food waste and 
environmental pollution, promote the development of jackfruit-based 
industries, and provide farmers with higher returns from their produce.

The researchers believe that integrating the often-overlooked jackfruit seed 
into the mainstream food industry could contribute significantly to improving 
food security, addressing malnutrition, and strengthening Bangladesh's 
agriculture-based economy.