Bangladeshi Researchers Secure Patent for Process Transforming Jackfruit Seeds into Mineral Concentrate
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Researchers at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) in Gazipur have developed a groundbreaking technology to transform discarded jackfruit seeds into a nutrient-dense mineral concentrate. The innovation, which has secured an official patent from the Ministry of Industries, promises to turn an overlooked agricultural byproduct into a valuable resource for food security and the national economy.
The research was spearheaded by Professor Md. Emdadul Haque of the Department of Food Engineering, alongside graduate student Akram Hossain. Following three years of intensive study, the technology was finalized in November 2025 and formally announced by university officials this week. The project was funded by the Ministry of Education’s “Grants for Advanced Research and Education” initiative.
According to Professor Haque, the mineral concentrate can be seamlessly integrated into various processed foods, such as flour for bread, biscuits, and cakes, without altering the product’s taste or texture. The process is highly efficient: while dried jackfruit seeds naturally contain approximately two percent mineral content, the new extraction method allows for a concentration of over 33 percent—an increase in mineral density of 16 to 17 times.
This innovation addresses a significant waste management challenge in Bangladesh, one of the world’s leading jackfruit producers. Vast quantities of seeds and husks are currently discarded annually, with approximately 6,000 tons of jackfruit seeds going to waste in the Gazipur region alone. By converting this waste into a high-value food additive, the researchers aim to foster a new jackfruit-based industrial sector, boost farmer income, and ensure the optimal utilization of domestic agricultural resources.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for BSMRAU, representing the university’s 21st technological innovation and its first since rebranding under its current name. Vice-Chancellor Professor G.K.M. Mustafizur Rahman lauded the achievement, noting that the patent serves as a testament to the potential of transforming agricultural waste into essential nutritional assets through scientific rigor.
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