As a result of the steady rise in world population, the demand for agricultural crops has increased drastically. Because of this, farmers have been forced to use conventional fertilizers and pesticides to increase their crop yield which contain chemicals that can be dangerous to both humans and the environment. But in all of this, there’s a positive development as well. The need for environmentally sustainable options has encouraged innovation and has led to Nanotechnology being applied to agriculture, thus resulting in Nano Fertilizers.
With more than 54% of its land classified as arable, India is one of the leading agricultural-producing countries. In terms of employment, there are about 151 million who depend on agriculture and related activities for their livelihood. Overall, the agricultural industry contributes to about 18% of the country’s GDP and this share increases every year with improvements in technology.
Due to this very reason, the use of Nano Fertilizers in India is being highly encouraged by the Government.
Nano fertilizers are incredibly efficient types of fertilizers that supply important macronutrients such as nitrogen to crops through small granules. Nano fertilizers were made available in India in the form of Nano Liquid Urea in 2022 by the Indian Farmers and Fertilizers Cooperative (IFFCO). IFFCO is a multi- state cooperative society in India that’s engaged in the manufacturing of fertilizers, and this recent introduction has led to many benefits, including a reduction in the usage of urea by almost 50%. Some of the key benefits of Nano Fertilizers in India include: -
One of the primary benefits of Nano Fertilizers is that it helps in growing healthier crops. The application of Nano fertilizers has demonstrated substantial increases in crop yields. By ensuring that plants receive the required nutrients precisely when they need them, these fertilizers foster optimal growth conditions, leading to more abundant harvests. The reduction in the excess usage of urea also results in stronger crops and a higher yield. Further, this boost in productivity helps combat food security challenges, especially in densely populated countries, such as India.
Although, compared to conventional fertilizers that are available in India, Nano fertilizers may seem like an expensive investment. However, their higher nutrient absorption and reduced wastage ultimately lead to cost savings for farmers. Moreover, their long-lasting effects reduce the need for frequent applications, making them more economically viable in the long run.
Since Nano Fertilizers release nutrients gradually and directly to the plant roots, they minimize the environmental impact of agriculture. Their targeted application also reduces the need for excessive fertilizer use. Thus, the risk of soil and water contamination is reduced, resulting in the preservation of soil fertility and the promotion of sustainable farming practices.
Due to India’s tropical climate, water scarcity, especially during drought seasons greatly affects its agricultural productivity. Nano Fertilizers can play a vital role in such cases by increasing the water retention capacity of the crops, making them more resilient during dry spells.
With traditional fertilizers, a significant portion of nutrients are lost due to leaching or volatilization. On the other hand, Nano Fertilizers encapsulate nutrients and protect them from being destroyed. This leads to improved nutrient absorption by plants, maximizing their growth potential and goes hand in hand with increased crop yields.
One of the major advantages of Nano fertilizers is that they can be tailored to release nutrients and pesticides simultaneously. This has led to the development of “smart fertilizers” that not only nourish plants but also protect them from pests and diseases.
Overall, the development of Nano Fertilizers has led to a significant leap towards sustainable agriculture in India with its ability to enhance nutrient efficiency and promote environment-friendly. As this revolutionary technology continues to evolve, its potential to address food security challenges and elevate India’s agricultural sector becomes even more promising.
