In a climate science breakthrough of global significance, Bangladeshi genetic scientist Abed Chaudhury has discovered a fungus that is able to reduce methane emissions from cattle up to 90 per cent.
The discovery was unveiled at a press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka city on Monday.
Abed, representing an Australian research organisation Loam Bio, revealed that without any genetic modification the fungus called Curvularia strain 4388, if used as a feed additive for livestock, is able to substantially reduce methane emission.
Citing successful clinical tests, he said that the fungus did not have adverse impact on the livestock health.
The discovery was published in the Biotechnology Reports journal鈥檚 March 2025 issue, he added.
鈥楾his fungus works naturally, significantly reducing methane output from ruminant animals like cows, goats and buffaloes,鈥� Abed said at the event titled 鈥楴ew technological development for mitigation of methane: A climate change gas鈥�.
Organisers at the event also announced that the fungus-based solution model led to the creation of an Australian investment-backed biotech startup ROAM Agricultural which now opened an $8 million investment window.
Saying that the model would enable farmers to produce the fungus on their own, Abed remarked that it also offered Bangladeshi investors and agri-entrepreneurs a 鈥榞olden opportunity鈥�.
Having mentioned that the country鈥檚 total cattle population might stand at over 25 million now that annually emit 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, Abed said that by significantly reducing methane emissions, Bangladesh was likely to generate carbon credit worth $2.4 billion.
鈥楾he cattle reared for Eid-ul-Azha alone could generate $600 million-worth carbon credit if they are fed with the emission-cutting fungus-based additive,鈥� he said.
The press conference was attended by representatives of key stakeholders, including Association for Land Reform and Development founder Shamsul Huda, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute scientist Sifat Hossain Joya and Bdjobs chief executive officer AKM Fahim Mashroor.
The event was jointly organised by ROAM, Krishan Foundation, Medha Sompod Surokkha Mancha and Jackfruit Post.
