Nano Fertilizers
Why in news:
- Nano fertilizers produced by IFFCO and dairy products from Amul will be among the first few products that are expected to be exported by the firstever National Export Cooperative Society that was approved by the Union Cabinet on January 11.
What are Nano Fertilizers?
- Nano fertilizers are defined as materials in the nanometer scale, usually in the form of nanoparticles, containing macro and micronutrients that are delivered to crops in a controlled mode
- IFFCO Nano Urea is the only Nano fertilizer approved by the Government of India and included in the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO).
- It is developed and Patented by IFFCO.
- Application of 1 bottle of Nano Urea can effectively replace at least 1 bag of Urea.
- When sprayed on leaves, Nano Urea easily enters through stomata and other openings and is assimilated by the plant cells.
- It is easily distributed through the phloem from source to sink inside the plant as per its need.
- Unutilized nitrogen is stored in the plant vacuole and is slowly released for proper growth and development of the plant.
- Small size (20-50 nm) of Nano Urea increases its availability to crop by more than 80%.
Benefits of Nano Urea:
- Higher crop yields:
- Due to small size and more surface area to volume ratio, IFFCO Nano Urea particles are easily available to crops.
- Higher crop yields are observed due to enhanced chlorophyll and photosynthesis in leaves and increase in root biomass and number of effective tillers /branches etc.
- Average Yield increase up to 8 % have been recorded as per 11,000 field trials conducted across India during 2019-20.
- Increased income for farmers:
- IFFCO Nano Urea leads to increase in farmers’ income due to:
- Reduction in Input Cost
- Higher Crop Yield
- Better Quality of Crop Produce
- Average increase in income of Rs 2000 per acre have been registered as per Farmer Field trials.
- Better food quality:
- Crops harvested using IFFCO Nano Urea are safe for consumption
- Nutritional quality of harvested produce is better in terms of protein and nutrient content
- Reduction in Chemical Fertilizer Usage:
- IFFCO Nano Urea rationalizes application of bulk nitrogenous fertilizers like Urea
- Foliar application of IFFCO Nano Urea at critical crop growth stages meets nitrogen requirement effectively
- Enhanced use efficiency of one bottle (500 ml) of IFFCO Nano Urea can potentially replace at least 1 bag of conventional urea
- Environment Friendly:
- Agriculture sustainability and environment safety can be ensured with the application of IFFCO Nano Urea
- Production of IFFCO Nano Urea is energy and resource friendly
- It reduces excess application of bulk urea and associated volatilization as well as leaching and run off losses
Syllabus: Prelims + Mains
