Knowledge-Based Company Shines in Producing Biological Fertilizers from Wastewater
According to Iran Economist, the CEO of a knowledge-based company stated that the use of biological fertilizers can be highly beneficial for agriculture, particularly due to the severe phosphate deficiency found in many soils across the country.
Ahmad Salsabili, CEO of the company, explained that phosphorus is an essential element for all living organisms and cannot be synthesized artificially. It can only be obtained through mining operations. Because of its limited natural resources and the restrictions faced by exporting countries, phosphorus has become an increasingly valuable resource worldwide.
He noted that phosphorus compounds are widely used in agriculture, food processing, and detergent industries. Phosphate plays a crucial role in improving soil fertility and supporting healthy plant growth.
Salsabili further stated that wastewater and landfill leachate typically contain significant amounts of valuable macronutrients, including phosphorus, nitrogen, and phosphate compounds, which are often discarded without being utilized.
He added that, due to the severe phosphate deficiency in many Middle Eastern soils, the company has successfully developed a method to recover these essential nutrients from wastewater and landfill leachate and convert them into biological fertilizers.
According to Salsabili, the resulting fertilizer contains valuable nutrients that can significantly enhance plant growth and development. The production process involves extracting nitrogen, phosphorus, and phosphate compounds from wastewater sources and converting them into solid biological fertilizer after drying. In addition to municipal wastewater, treatment plants and livestock farms can also serve as sources of raw materials for this process.
Discussing the advantages of biological fertilizers over conventional fertilizers, Salsabili explained that excessive use of phosphate fertilizers and other nutrient-rich chemical fertilizers can lead to problems such as root burn and soil degradation. Biological fertilizers, however, do not create these adverse effects.
He further explained that nutrients in biological fertilizers are released when plants need them. Through natural root secretions, nutrients become available for plant uptake, allowing crops to utilize essential minerals efficiently. The released nutrients remain effective for an extended period and do not harm soil quality.
Salsabili also noted that this material has significant international value and a wide range of applications. It can be found in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and naturally occurring compounds.
The CEO emphasized that there is currently no domestic equivalent of this product and that his company is the only producer of this type of biological fertilizer in the country. Similar technologies and products are currently available in countries such as the United States, Canada, Sweden, Japan, and Belgium.
Source: Young Journalists Club (YJC)
Rising Agricultural Input Costs Threaten Relative Self-Sufficiency in Agriculture and Livestock Production
The country’s agricultural and food industries have recently faced growing concerns following increases in the prices of chemical fertilizers. These developments have prompted strong reactions from farmers, agricultural associations, and food industry organizations. Shortly afterward, reports emerged regarding rising prices of agricultural machinery, equipment, and livestock and poultry vaccines, creating further uncertainty within the sector.
Food security researcher Shayan Naderi commented on the situation, expressing concern about the economic challenges facing agricultural producers.
According to Naderi, throughout the year, several directives issued by regulatory authorities resulted in price increases across various agricultural and livestock production inputs. Among the most significant were increases in the cost of chemical fertilizers and, more recently, livestock and poultry vaccines.
He warned that continued increases in production costs could reduce the economic viability of farming and livestock operations, potentially affecting domestic production and weakening the country’s relative self-sufficiency in essential agricultural commodities, including red meat and other food products.
Concerns Over Government Support Policies
Naderi noted that many stakeholders in the agricultural sector believe that insufficient government support for essential production inputs has contributed to the current situation. Producers have called for greater assistance in securing critical items such as fertilizers and animal vaccines.
He also questioned whether existing policies adequately support domestic production, particularly during a period when increasing national production has been identified as an important economic objective.
According to Naderi, government support programs have often favored imported products rather than domestic manufacturers. He argued that allocating subsidies and foreign currency resources to imports instead of local producers may reduce incentives for domestic production and investment.
Potential Impact on Agricultural Production
Naderi further stated that the increase in agricultural input costs comes at a critical time, particularly as farmers prepare for autumn planting. Fertilizers are among the most important production inputs during this period, and significant price increases could create financial difficulties for producers.
He cautioned that continued cost pressures may lead to reduced agricultural output and create long-term challenges for the sector if adequate support measures are not implemented.
The Importance of Supporting Farmers and Livestock Producers
The researcher emphasized that strengthening support for farmers and livestock producers is essential for maintaining domestic food production and protecting the agricultural sector from future disruptions.
Despite current challenges, Iran remains one of the leading agricultural producers in West Asia. Agricultural products and livestock-related exports continue to play an important role in the country’s economy, ranking among its key non-oil export sectors.
Naderi concluded that effective management strategies and stronger support policies could help preserve agricultural production capacity, improve food security, and strengthen the country’s path toward greater self-sufficiency in essential food products.
Source: Hossein Torkashvand