BTU and BINFIELD have completed five years of development and launched industrial production of FERTIS ACTIVE NPK, a new microbial-coated fertilizer. This product integrates a consortium of beneficial microorganisms directly onto granular mineral NPK, aiming to activate nutrient availability from the soil's own reserves.
This innovation addresses common agricultural challenges by improving how plants access nutrients already present in the soil. Instead of just adding more fertilizer, the microbial coating helps unlock phosphorus and potassium that are often inaccessible to crops. This approach potentially reduces the need for higher fertilizer application rates, benefitting farmers and the environment.
The launch aligns with Ghana's broader push for sustainable agriculture and food security. While specific to the developers, the technology offers a model for enhancing crop productivity within the Ghanaian context. Ghana's agricultural sector, a cornerstone of its economy, actively seeks solutions to improve soil fertility and increase yields without excessive input costs. Data from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) consistently highlight the importance of efficient nutrient management for staple crops.
Vladyslav Bolokhovskyi, CEO and co-founder of BTU Biotech Company, stated: “The joint project with BINFIELD confirmed that combining a mineral fertilizer and a microbiological component in a single product gives growers a new level of efficiency.” Oleksiy Hrabovskyi, Director of Agro-Service and co-founder of BINFIELD, added: “Five years of work proved the main point: the technology works not only in the laboratory and not only on a single crop.” These statements underscore the robust testing and efficacy claims of the new product.
The introduction of such advanced fertilizers could influence agricultural policies and market dynamics in Ghana. Policymakers may explore incentives for adopting nutrient-efficient technologies to support smallholder farmers. Farmers might also see improved profitability due to higher yields, such as the reported +0.3 tonnes per hectare for maize, and potentially lower overall input costs. This development bears watching for its potential ripple effect across the agri-food value chain.
The research and development phase, spanning 2020 to 2024, involved screening more than ten microorganism strains. The final product uses five species, including Bacillus subtilis and Priestia megaterium, each with specific functions like stimulating plant growth and mobilizing phosphorus. Field trials conducted between 2024 and 2025 across diverse soil and climatic conditions confirmed consistent yield gains. For example, soybean yields increased by 0.25 tonnes per hectare, and winter wheat by 0.35 tonnes per hectare. These results provide empirical evidence of the fertilizer's effectiveness.
The technology allows for flexibility, enabling adaptation to different fertilizer grades and soil profiles. Spore forms of bacteria ensure viability for up to 12 months, making the product suitable for typical agricultural storage and transport. This extended shelf life and adaptability are crucial for adoption in various agricultural settings. The launch of industrial production in 2025 marks a significant milestone, bringing this scientific advancement to commercial reality. This could pave the way for similar innovations in Ghana's fertilizer market, driving growth in the agriculture and commodities sector.