Curtin University Dubai has achieved another significant milestone in innovation and sustainable agricultural research with the successful registration of the “Portable Fertiliser Dispersion Hub” by the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO).
The innovative design, developed by John Curtin Distinguished Professor Chithirai Pon Selvan, Director of Research and Head of School – Science and Engineering at Curtin University Dubai, together with his PhD scholar Ms Reshmi Nair, received official UK design registration in June 2026. The registration recognises the novelty and originality of the invention while providing international intellectual property protection for the design.
The Portable Fertiliser Dispersion Hub is a compact, plug-and-play agricultural attachment specifically designed to provide precise and uniform fertiliser distribution while minimising chemical wastage. The innovation addresses a key challenge in modern agriculture by enabling efficient and sustainable fertiliser application.
The device incorporates a lightweight handheld housing equipped with a high-speed turbine-assisted dispersion mechanism that generates controlled airflow to distribute granular fertilisers accurately over targeted areas. Fertiliser can be supplied through a detachable hopper, backpack reservoir, fertiliser pipe, or portable container connected to the hub via a quick-lock universal interface, providing exceptional flexibility for different farming environments.
The system further integrates an adjustable flow-control ring and a variable dispersion nozzle, enabling farmers to regulate application rates, spread width, and distribution patterns according to specific crop requirements. Its compact form factor allows the entire unit to fit inside a large handbag, making it highly portable and particularly suitable for field operations, greenhouse farming, orchards, urban farming, and precision agriculture applications.
Unlike conventional fertiliser application methods, which often result in uneven distribution, excessive usage, and nutrient losses, the turbine-assisted spreading mechanism significantly improves fertiliser coverage uniformity. This leads to reduced over-application, minimised nutrient runoff, enhanced resource utilisation efficiency, and lower operational costs for farmers.
The innovation aligns closely with global sustainability goals by promoting environmentally responsible farming practices while supporting increased agricultural productivity. By optimising fertiliser use, the technology has the potential to contribute towards sustainable food production and improved environmental stewardship.
Professor Chithirai Pon Selvan stated, “Innovations in precision agriculture are essential to address the growing global demand for food while ensuring sustainable use of resources. The Portable Fertiliser Dispersion Hub has been developed to provide farmers with an efficient, user-friendly, and environmentally sustainable fertiliser management solution.”
This achievement further demonstrates Curtin University Dubai’s strong commitment to research excellence, innovation, and the development of practical technological solutions that deliver real-world societal impact.
