#236 From Agricultural Waste to Biofertilizer: The Research Journey of Momena Akhtar Sweety

Momena Akhtar Sweety completed her Master’s degree in Horticulture from Gazipur Agricultural University, Bangladesh. In 2018, she joined the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) as an Assistant Director. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in Soil Science at Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Her primary research goal is agricultural waste management and the development of biofertilizers. She prepares biochar from various agricultural residues such as rice husk, wood dust, and sugarcane bagasse, and is developing electric biofertilizers enriched with Amino-Quinone modified compounds and beneficial Lactic Acid Bacteria in the laboratory. This research aims to retain soil nutrients, reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, and increase crop yields.

Sweety’s work can be considered an important innovation for Bangladesh’s agricultural sector. She is currently working in an international research environment, which supports both local and global agricultural development.

💬 Q&A Session:

Question: First, we’d like to know about you.
Answer: I am Momena Akhtar Sweety, Assistant Director, Research Cell, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation, Motijheel, Dhaka. I completed my Master’s in Horticulture from Gazipur Agricultural University. I joined BADC as an Assistant Director in 2018. Currently, I am pursuing PhD research in Soil Science at Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Question: What is your research about?
Answer: My research focuses on the production of biofertilizers through agricultural waste management. Various agricultural residues such as rice husk, wood dust, and sugarcane bagasse are used to prepare biochar. Then, through different stages in the laboratory, Amino-Quinone modified compounds and electric biofertilizers enriched with beneficial Lactic Acid Bacteria are developed. Amino-Quinone helps retain nutrients in the soil and reduces fertilizer loss, while Lactic Acid Bacteria promote plant growth and suppress harmful soil microbes.

Question: How will your research benefit us or others?
Answer: It will help reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, improve soil quality, and increase crop yields.

Question: What qualities do you think a scientist should have?
Answer: I am myself new to this field and not very experienced. In my opinion, a researcher needs to be perseverant, patient and calm, and disciplined. If one stays committed to their goal and works tirelessly, the chances of success increase.

Question: Do you have any message for young students in Bangladesh who want to work in science?
Answer: Despite limited resources in Bangladesh, progress in agriculture is the result of the relentless efforts of researchers. Young researchers should focus on necessary, practical agricultural research.

📇 Contact Information

✉️ Email: [email protected]

Momena Akhtar Sweety’s research is opening new directions in agricultural waste management and the development of biofertilizers. The Biggani.org team expresses gratitude for her effort and dedication. May her work inspire Bangladesh’s young scientists, and we hope she will continue to make significant contributions to the field of agriculture.

From Agricultural Waste to Biofertilizer: The Research Journey of Momena Akhtar Sweety

Momena Akhtar Sweety completed her Master’s degree in Horticulture from the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Gazipur. She joined the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) as an Assistant Director in 2018. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in Soil Science at Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Her research focuses on agricultural waste management and biofertilizer development. She works on converting various agricultural residues, such as rice husk, wood dust, and sugarcane bagasse, into biochar and laboratory-scale biofertilizers enriched with Amino-Quinone modified compounds and beneficial Lactic Acid Bacteria. This research aims to maintain soil nutrients, reduce chemical fertilizer usage, and improve crop productivity.

Sweety’s work is considered an important contribution to the advancement of sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh. She is conducting her research in an international setting, bridging local agricultural needs with global scientific approaches.

💬 Q&A Section:

Question: Could you please introduce yourself?
Answer: I am Momena Akhtar Sweety, Assistant Director, Research Cell, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), Motijheel, Dhaka. I completed my Master’s in Horticulture from Bangladesh Agricultural University, Gazipur. I joined BADC as an Assistant Director in 2018. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Soil Science at Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Question: What is your research about?
Answer: My research focuses on producing biofertilizers through the management of agricultural waste. Various agricultural residues, such as rice husk, wood dust, and sugarcane bagasse, are converted into biochar, and laboratory-scale biofertilizers enriched with Amino-Quinone modified compounds and beneficial Lactic Acid Bacteria are developed. Amino-Quinone helps retain nutrients in the soil and reduces fertilizer losses, while Lactic Acid Bacteria promote plant growth and suppress harmful soil microbes.

Question: How will your research benefit others?
Answer: It will help reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, improve soil quality, and increase crop yields.

Question: What qualities do you think a scientist should have?
Answer: I am relatively new and less experienced in this field. In my opinion, a researcher should be persistent, patient, methodical, and disciplined. By remaining focused and working tirelessly toward their goals, a scientist increases their chances of success.

Question: Do you have a message for young Bangladeshi students interested in science?
Answer: Even in a resource-limited country like Bangladesh, significant progress in agriculture is the result of the relentless efforts of scientists. Young researchers should focus on practical, application-based agricultural research to continue this trajectory of development.

📇 Contact Information

✉️ Email: [email protected]

Momena Akhtar Sweety’s research offers new directions in agricultural waste management and biofertilizer development. The Biggani.org team appreciates her dedication and effort. Her work serves as an inspiration for young Bangladeshi scientists, and we hope she continues to make meaningful contributions to agriculture