Government’s Initiatives to Promote the Use of Nano Fertilizers Among Farmers

The government has taken several important steps to promote the use of nano fertilizers among farmers. These measures include awareness campaigns, drone spraying, and a Maha Abhiyan for the adoption of Nano DAP.

Key Steps Taken to Promote Nano Fertilizers:

1. Awareness Campaigns – Various initiatives such as camps, webinars, street plays (nukkad nataks), field demonstrations, farmer conferences, and films in regional languages are being conducted to educate farmers about the benefits of nano fertilizers.
2. Availability – Nano Urea and Nano DAP are being made available at Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs) by concerned companies.
3. Supply Plan – Nano Urea has been included in the monthly supply plan issued regularly by the Department of Fertilizers.
4. National Campaign – The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal recently organized a national campaign on the “Efficient and Balanced Use of Fertilizers (including Nano Fertilizers).”
5. Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) – Launched on 15th November 2023, this initiative promoted the use of nano fertilizers among farmers.
6. Ease of Application – To facilitate the use of Nano Urea through foliar application, initiatives like drone spraying and the distribution of battery-operated sprayers at retail points are being undertaken. Additionally, pilot training and custom hiring services through Village Level Entrepreneurs are being actively promoted.
7. Maha Abhiyan – The Department of Fertilizers (DoF), in collaboration with fertilizer companies, has launched a Maha Abhiyan for the adoption of Nano DAP in all 15 agro-climatic zones of the country through consultations and field demonstrations. Furthermore, DoF has also launched a campaign for field-level demonstrations and awareness programs on Nano Urea Plus in 100 districts across the country.

Subsidy and Production-Related Information:

Currently, there is no provision for subsidy on nano fertilizers. However, the government is encouraging companies to set up nano fertilizer plants. The use of drones for spraying nano fertilizers has proven to be a cost-effective method, and farmers have shown keen interest in adopting this new technology.

The government has also clarified that there is no proposal at present to bring the production of nano fertilizers under any Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.