IN NEWS
Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Anupriya Patel informed in Rajya Sabha that over 11.85 crore bottles of Nano Urea and 3.53 crore bottles of Nano DAP have been sold across India since their launch.
Introduction
The large-scale adoption of nano-fertilizers marks a significant shift in India’s fertilizer usage pattern, aligning with the objectives of sustainable agriculture, input efficiency, and reduction in chemical fertilizer dependency. The data reflects the growing penetration of nano-based agricultural inputs in the Indian farming ecosystem.
Key Data Highlights
- Nano Urea (500 ml equivalent):
- 11.85 crore bottles sold since February 2021
- Nano DAP (500 ml equivalent):
- 3.53 crore bottles sold nationwide
- Indicates rapid scaling and adoption within a short period
Scientific Application & Usage Pattern
- Nano Urea is used as a foliar spray (sprayed directly on leaves).
- It is not a complete substitute for conventional urea.
- Basal dose of conventional fertilizers remains essential.
- Recommended approach:
- Combined application → Conventional Urea (basal) + Nano Urea (foliar)
Impact on Agricultural Productivity
- Combined usage has shown:
- 1.65% to 14.82% increase in crop yield
- Benefits include:
- Improved nutrient use efficiency
- Reduced fertilizer wastage
- Lower environmental footprint
Link with PM-PRANAM Scheme
The development aligns with the PM-PRANAM Scheme:
- Full form: Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth
- Approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on June 28, 2023
- Objective:
- Reduce chemical fertilizer consumption
- Promote alternative fertilizers (nano, organic)
- Encourage balanced nutrient usage
- Support sustainable farming practices
Issues & Field-Level Concerns
- Reports from Punjab indicate:
- Farmers being forced to purchase Nano Urea/Nano DAP along with conventional fertilizers
- Mixed results in some regions → adoption challenges
- Indicates need for:
- Scientific awareness
- Regulation of fertilizer sales practices
Broader Implications
- Agricultural Sustainability: Reduced reliance on bulk chemical fertilizers
- Logistics Efficiency: Lower storage and transport costs due to compact nano form
- Environmental Benefits: Less soil degradation and water pollution
- Policy Transition: Shift from subsidy-heavy fertilizer model to efficiency-driven model
- Adoption Gap: Need to address ground-level implementation issues
STATIC PART
PM-PRANAM Scheme
- Approved: June 28, 2023 (by CCEA)
- Full Form: Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth
- Objective (as per input):
- Reduce chemical fertilizer consumption
- Promote alternative fertilizers (Nano Urea, Nano DAP)
- Encourage organic farming and sustainable practices
Nano Urea
- Launched: February 2021 (as per input context)
- Nature: Liquid nano-fertilizer (500 ml bottle equivalent)
- Application: Foliar spray
- Key Feature:
- Higher nutrient efficiency with lower quantity
- Limitation:
- Cannot fully replace conventional urea (basal dose required)
Updated – 04 February 2026 ; 06:55 IST News Source: The Times of India