Cutting-edge agronomic technologies

As part of the Joint Ukrainian-Japanese Cooperation for the Revitalization of Ukrainian Agriculture, a Memorandum of Cooperation was established between the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Mebiol Incorporated (Japan), and Natural Fertilisers Limited (Ireland).

At the invitation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Japan and Mebiol Incorporated, Professor Svitlana Kalenska from NULES of Ukraine, along with representatives from Natural Fertilizers Limited (Ireland) - Kevin Lucey, Executive Director, and Ph.D. Vadym Melnychenko, Technical Director - visited the company from April 20th to 25th. Their purpose was to familiarize themselves with the advancements in nano-structured film integration within indoor cultivation technology. Dr. Hiroshi Yoshioka, the Executive Director of Mebiol Incorporated, along with his team, guided the delegation through the laboratories and greenhouse production facilities. The discussions primarily focused on the current state of tomato production in Ukraine and the potential implementation of nanofilm technology.

Nano-film technology presents significant advantages for vegetable cultivation amidst challenges such as climate change, limited moisture, and the need for efficient soil resource management. Utilizing this film substantially decreases water usage in crop cultivation and ensures nutrient supply to the root system while preventing the ingress of pathogens. Mebiol Incorporated's motto, "to grow vegetables everywhere and for everyone," encapsulates their mission. This technology eliminates the necessity for soil, allowing greenhouses to be erected on any surface. Mebiol Incorporated has effectively collaborated with greenhouse tomato producers in various regions, including the United Arab Emirates, Botswana, China and has partnered with nearly 100 film tomato producers in Japan.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Japan has consented to authorize the initiation of a project between NUBIP and Mebiol Incorporated for collaboration and experimental testing of the technology in Ukraine. Mebiol Incorporated will furnish an experimental equipment sample required for the research. The collaboration is anticipated to be both steady and productive.

We express our gratitude to the team led by Dr. Hiroshi Yoshioka, as well as Hiroshi himself, for generously sharing their time and providing us with incredibly insightful information regarding the capabilities of the technology.

Svitlana Kalenska