IFFCO Receives Approval to Launch Two More Nano-tech Fertiliser

IFFCO, which has introduced nano liquid urea and nano liquid DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate), has announced that the central government has approved the launch of its two new products, nano liquid zinc and nano liquid copper. These two products will help alleviate zinc and copper deficiencies in agriculture and enhance productivity. US Awasthi, Managing Director of IFFCO, mentioned that IFFCO's nano-technology-based innovations are leaving a significant impact on the agricultural sector. The Government of India has granted notification for IFFCO Nano Zinc (Liquid) and IFFCO Nano Copper (Liquid) for a period of 3 years. FCO (Fertiliser Control Order) approval has also been obtained for these products.

What is Nano DAP:

IFFCO Nano DAP is a groundbreaking agricultural technology based on nanotechnology that provides plants with nitrogen and phosphorus. Nano DAP in liquid form contains nano nitrogen (urea amide and ammonia) and phosphorus (phosphate and polyphosphate), which are encapsulated with surfactants and functionalized bio-polymers. When applied to plants, nano DAP immediately meets their nitrogen and phosphorus requirements. It strengthens the source-sink relationship in plants, triggers enzymatic, energy (ATP-ADP), and protein assimilation pathways, and enhances the activity of soil microbes and root rhizosphere.

How to Use Nano Urea:

The first application of nano urea can be done at the time of crop sowing or 30 to 35 days after transplanting, and the second application can be done 7 days after flowering. Nano urea should be applied by diluting 2-4 ml per liter of water and spraying it on standing crops at a rate of 250 ml per acre in 125 liters of water. According to agricultural experts, plants receive only 30% of the boron fertilizer. Nano urea is absorbed by 85% of the plants. The general requirement of nano DAP liquid according to the sprayer is given below:

Knapsack sprayer: Nano DAP liquid can be applied at a rate of 2-3 caps (50-75 ml) per 15-16 liter tank, typically covering 1 acre of crop area.
Power sprayer: Nano DAP can be applied at a rate of 75-100 ml per 20-25 liter tank, covering 4-6 tanks typically covering 1 acre of crop area.
Drone: Nano DAP can be applied at a rate of 75-100 ml per 20-25 liter tank, covering 4-6 tanks typically covering 1 acre of crop area.

Utilization of Nano Urea in All Crops:

Nano urea can be used in all crops. Stomata in crop leaves remain open, absorbing nano urea particles. Through the leaves, these particles reach all parts of the plant. After technical testing in 20 research centers and 11,000 farmers' fields across the country, IFFCO has launched this liquid fertilizer for farmers.

Soil Fertility: Nano urea serves as a liquid fertilizer. Its application reduces fertilizer expenses and mitigates pollution impact, while also boosting productivity. Notably, enhancements in the efficacy and productivity of other fertilizers, coupled with improvements in crop quality, are being observed.

Advantages of Nano DAP: Nano DAP acts as a source of readily available nitrogen and phosphorus for all crops. It addresses nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies in standing crops and rectifies nutrient deficiencies in the field. Additionally, it promotes crop growth, quality, and yield. Moreover, it proves to be cost-effective, safe, and eco-friendly compared to conventional DAP. Its application aids in reducing soil, air, and water pollution caused by excessive fertilizer usage in fields.

Seed Treatment and Foliar Spraying: Nano DAP should be diluted in water at a ratio of 3-5 ml per kilogram of seed and allowed to soak for 20-30 minutes. Subsequently, the nano DAP layer adheres to the seed surface, after which it should be sown in the shade. When healthy leaves emerge, nano DAP should be applied at a rate of 2-4 ml per liter of water. For crops with high phosphorus requirements, a second foliar spray is recommended before flowering.

Objective of Nano DAP: IFFCO introduced nano-liquid urea a few years ago and has also facilitated other companies in establishing nano urea plants. Between August 2021 and February 2024, a total of 7 crore bottles of nano urea have been sold. One bottle of nano urea (45 kg) is equivalent to traditional urea. Subsequently, the cooperative launched nano-liquid DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) in the market. Moreover, several drones have been procured for the application of nano-liquid urea and nano-liquid DAP. IFFCO is also engaged in exporting nano urea and nano DAP. In Bihar, the target for nano urea consumption in the year 2023-24 is set at 1 crore 25 lakh bottles. In the years 2022-23 and 2021-22, nano urea consumption stood at 28 lakh 55 thousand 860 bottles and 14 lakh 83 thousand 992 bottles, respectively. This year, the target is set at 35 lakh bottles of Nano urea.

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