FUNAAB Scholars Secure Patent for Eco-Friendly Nano-Pesticide

News in Brief:

-FUNAAB researchers secured a patent for Tripleshield Agro, designed to control pests more effectively and reduce harm to farmers and the environment.

-The university plans to support field trials and farmer engagement to prepare the product for commercial use.

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has secured a patent for a new environmentally friendly nano-pesticide designed to help farmers tackle pests without harming their health or the environment.

The innovation, branded Tripleshield Agro, was officially presented on February 10, 2026. University management praised the research team, led by Prof. Akinola Popoola, for developing a solution that addresses growing concerns about the dangers of excessive chemical pesticide use.

For many farmers, increasing pesticide concentration has become a common response to stubborn pests. However, experts warn that this practice can lead to soil degradation, water contamination, and health problems such as skin irritation and vomiting. In severe cases, chemical runoff can pollute nearby streams and wells.

Additionally, health-conscious consumers are growing increasingly concerned about how their food is produced. Typically, these people prefer to buy food that is grown with fewer chemicals and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Safer Pest Control for Farmers

According to the research team, Tripleshield Agro utilises nanotechnology to deliver its active ingredients directly to target pests, including fungi, bacteria, and insects. This precision reduces waste and ensures the pesticide works more effectively than traditional spraying methods.

Because the product targets only harmful organisms, it requires smaller quantities, lowering the risk of environmental pollution and reducing costs over time. For everyday farmers, this could mean healthier crops and safer working conditions.

Developed with Green Materials

The team explained that the nano-pesticide was produced using green synthesis methods, relying mainly on neem-based materials. By minimising the use of potentially harmful substances, the researchers aimed to create a product that supports sustainable farming practices.

FUNAAB’s management has pledged support for large-scale field trials and farmer engagement programmes to ensure the product performs well under real farming conditions before full commercial rollout.

The achievement adds to the university’s growing reputation for agricultural innovation, as the team also ranked among the top three institutions at the 2025 TETFund TETFAIRINNOV8 Programme.