Nano Urea can save nitrogen to the extent of 50 per cent, says Mandaviya

Nano Urea can enhance farmers’ crop yields and save nitrogen to the extent of 50 per cent, show trials. IFFCO has introduced the world’s first Nano Urea, which is an innovative solution for reducing environmental pollution and promoting soil health.

This information was given by Mansukh Mandaviya, the Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on August 6.

The Nano-fertilizer — Nano Urea developed by IFFCO — holds great promise for application in plant nourishment because of the size-dependent qualities, high surface-volume ratio, and unique properties. Nano-fertilizers release plant nutrients in a controlled manner, contributing to higher nutrient use efficiency.

Experimental trials of Nano Nitrogen undertaken during Rabi/Zaid 2019-20 through the National Agriculture Research System (NARS) at seven Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) research institutes/state agricultural universities on different crops like paddy, wheat, mustard, maize, tomato, cabbage, cucumber, capsicum and onion were found agronomically suitable, indicating that nano nitrogen (Nano Urea) can enhance farmers’ crop yields besides saving nitrogen to the extent of 50 per cent.

The National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) and the Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd (RCF) — both public sector undertakings (PSUs) of the Department of Fertilizers — have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Farmers Fertilisers Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) for the technology transfer for the production of Nano Urea.

An imbalanced application of nitrogenous fertilizers and their low nutrient use efficiency (30-50 per cent) ultimately ends in polluting our soil, air and water. NOx gases are an important cause of air pollution while nitrates leaching results in eutrophication and toxicity of our water bodies. Excess nitrates accumulation in leafy vegetables also harms human health. It is therefore pertinent to look for alternative solutions to conserve our agro-ecosystems for future generations. IFFCO Nano Urea has emerged as an innovative solution to address these concerns.

One half-bottle of nano urea with better use efficiency can effectively reduce up to one bag of urea. The application of Nano Urea has a considerable advantage in terms of a safe and clean environment with the reduction in the application of conventional bulk urea. Nano Urea has the additional benefit in terms of a better quality of harvested produce and higher crop productivity without harming soil health.

IFFCO has sought permission from the Department of Fertilizers for the export of the Nano Urea Liquid manufactured at its nano fertilizer plant facility set up at Kalol, Gujarat.

Dr US Awasthi, Managing Director, IFFCO said in a tweet: “Indeed, this is really big & positive news for our farmers as #IFFCONanoUrea will help in increasing crop yields, reducing input cost and environmental pollution. The #NanoUrea is an initiative on the lines of PM Sh. @narendramodi  Ji’s advice of reducing chemicals in the soil.”