ACI, Patuakhali Science and Tech University ink MoU

Advanced Chemical Industries (ACI) signed a memorandum of understanding with Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) over biochar production technology on Sunday.

Bashir Ahmed, business director of ACI Fertilizer, and Muhammad Kamrul Islam, registrar of the PSTU, penned the deal at the university's vice-chancellor office in Patuakhali, a press release said.

Under the agreement, the university will hand over the biochar production technology to ACI Fertilizer for commercial production. ACI will provide access to its factory for producing biochar-rich fertiliser, carrying out trials in the research and development field, and performing demonstrations in farmers' fields.

Prof Swadesh Chandra Samanta, vice-chancellor of the university, Prof Abul Kashem Chowdhury, director for training and research, Prof Fazlul Haque, dean of post-graduation study, Prof Shamim Mia, inventor and researcher of biochar technology, and KBD Jahidul Islam Khan, product development of ACI, were present.

Biochar is defined as carbonised biomass obtained from sustainable sources and sequestered in soils to enhance their agricultural and environmental value.