Fertilizer major, IFFCO has launched its ‘nano-technology’ based products i.e. nano nitrogen, nano zinc & nano copper for on-field trials in order to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers and increase farmers’ income.
IFFCO in a statement said that these environment-friendly products have been introduced for the very first time in India & have potential to cut usage of conventional chemical fertilizers by 50% besides increasing crop output by 15 to 30%.
Union Chemicals & Fertilisers Minister, Sadananda Gowda launched these nano products at an event held at its unit in Kalol, Gujarat. Union Minister of State for Shipping (Independent Charge) and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Mansukh Mandaviya; Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Parshottam Rupala Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Nitin Patel were also present at the event.
Fertilizer major also invited progressive farmers (34 in total) from every state including Padma Shri awardee farmers for the event so as to tell them about the new nano products & start simultaneous field trials of these products across the country.
The products have been researched & developed at the IFFCO Nano Biotechnology Research Centre (NBRC) at Kalol Unit.
These nano-structured formulations effectively provide nutrients to the plants.
Telling about other benefits, the company said that these nano products not only reduces the need of conventional chemical fertilizer by 50% but also raises crop output by 15-30%, enhances soil health & cuts emission of greenhouse gases.
Gowda said, “This step will certainly complement to the vision of our PM Narendra Modi ji for doubling the farmer’s income by the year 2022”. Managing Director of IFFCO, U S Awasthi said, “In the 1st phase of the launch, these products would be tested on farms under controlled conditions with support the from ICAR or KVK.”
Nano-nitrogen that is developed as an substitute to urea, has the potential to reduce the requirement of urea by 50%. Only 10 gm of nano-zinc will be enough for a hectare of land & bring the requirement of NPK fertilizer down by 50%.
