India has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first country to develop and introduce nano-fertilizers. The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has patented Nano-Urea and Nano-DAP, ushering in a new era of agricultural innovation. These nano-fertilizers offer several advantages over traditional granular counterparts, potentially transforming the agricultural landscape.

Understanding Nano Fertilizers:

Nano-fertilizers are innovative formulations derived from traditional fertilizers through the application of nanotechnology. These nano-fertilizers aim to enhance soil fertility, boost agricultural productivity, and improve the quality of crops. Let’s delve into the specifics of Nano-Urea and Nano-DAP:

1. Nano Urea: This liquid fertilizer contains 4% nitrogen in the form of encapsulated nitrogen analogues. Notably, it possesses a small particle size (20-50 nm), covering a larger surface area with more particles per unit area than conventional urea. It plays a vital role in the 4R nutrient stewardship¹ and can be directly absorb by plant leaves.
2. Nano DAP (Diammonium Phosphate): Developed by IFFCO, Nano DAP offers a source of nitrogen and phosphorus to plants. With particle sizes less than 100 nanometers, it can easily penetrate seeds’ surfaces or enter through stomata and other plant openings. DAP, known for its alkaline pH, also exhibits fire-retardant properties, making it versatile for various applications.

Advantages of Nano Fertilizers:

Nano fertilizers come with a plethora of benefits:

• Cost-Effective: Nano-fertilizers are more cost-efficient than conventional subsidized fertilizers. For instance, a 500 ml bottle of Nano-Urea (Rs. 240) can replace a 45 kg bag of conventional urea (Rs. 267).
• Cost Savings: They can reduce transportation and warehousing costs while enhancing crop productivity and farmers’ income.
• Reduced Import Bills: Utilizing nano fertilizers can lower the import bills for fertilizer production, reduce environmental pollution, and cut farm input costs. It has the potential to save the government Rs. 25,000 crore in subsidies annually.
• Balancing Nutrient Use: Nano-Urea can help address the imbalance and excessive use of conventional urea, which accounts for over 82% of nitrogenous fertilizers applied to the majority of crops.

Challenges for Nano Urea:

Despite the numerous advantages, there are challenges to overcome:

• Initial Cost: While a bottle of Nano-Urea is cheaper per unit, the associated costs of labor and spraying equipment may pose challenges for small and marginal farmers.
• Research Data: Regulatory approvals for new fertilizers require data for at least three seasons. Currently, such data is not available for any single crop.
• Crop Variability: The effects of Nano-Urea on various crops across the country are yet to be comprehensively studied.

Standing Committee Recommendations:

The Standing Committee on Nano-Fertilizers for Sustainable Crop Production offers recommendations to address these challenges:

• Conduct Long-Term Research: In-depth research is essential to assess the benefits and potential side effects of nano fertilizers over time.
• Affordable Spraying Methods: Efforts should be made to provide cost-effective spraying equipment for small farmers.
• Training Programs: Regular training programs for farmers and entrepreneurs on drone-based fertilizer spraying methods should be initiated.
• Production Incentives: The government should consider implementing a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to support the nano-fertilizer industry.

The advent of nano-fertilizers in India represents a significant leap in sustainable agriculture, offering cost-effective solutions with the potential to revolutionize farming practices and enhance crop yields.

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Down to Earth Summary

1. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship concept defines the right source, rate, time, and place for fertilizer application as those producing the economic, social, and environmental outcomes desired by all stakeholders to the plant ecosystem. ↩︎