Farmers are being encouraged to adopt nanotechnology-based fertilisers to boost crop yields, improve soil health, and combat the effects of climate change.
Henry Monda, Managing Director of Ancient Bioorganics, said while soils often contain essential nutrients, they are not always in forms that plants can absorb. His company manufactures BioProp FHB, a nanotech bio-fertiliser designed to unlock these nutrients, making them bioavailable for plant uptake.
“Our product helps transform these locked nutrients into forms that plants can absorb easily,” Monda explained.
BioProp FHB uses beneficial microbes to enhance nitrogen fixation and improve nutrient availability in the soil, supporting uniform crop growth—an essential factor for high-quality harvests.
In addition to improving germination, even under harsh climate conditions, the fertiliser also reduces seed failure caused by environmental stress by preventing cell apoptosis, a process where seeds die prematurely. Monda added that crops treated with BioProp FHB tend to show stronger resistance to diseases and fewer infections than those treated with conventional fertilisers.
The fertiliser is available in small, easy-to-use packets of 4g and 10g. A 4g packet can treat 10kg of maize—enough for one acre—making it convenient for transport and storage.
“This product is so compact it can be shipped in an envelope, even to Europe,” said Monda, noting its growing popularity in 12 countries.
Application is done through a simple seed inoculation process. Farmers spray their seeds with a diluted fertiliser solution before planting, preferably in the evening or under shade to preserve microbial activity. The seeds should then dry overnight.
For best results, a 4g packet should be mixed with no more than 300ml of water, while a 10g packet should be mixed with up to 500ml of water for 25kg of seed. According to Monda, farmers using BioProp FHB have reported yield increases of between four and 12 additional 90kg bags of maize per acre.
