On November 3, 2019, the world’s largest fertilizer cooperative- Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) introduced India’s 1st nanotechnology-based environment-friendly plant nutrition products by introducing Nano- Nitrogen, nano-Zinc and nano-Copper for on-field trials at an event at Gujarat’s Kalol unit of IFFCO.
Key Points:
i.Product production: The products were produced at IFFCO’s Nano Biotechnology Research Centre (NBRC) in Kalol unit. The first phase of the launch was tested with support from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK)/Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
ii.Chemical compounds: The Nano nitrogen was developed as an alternative to urea, thus reducing its requirement by 50%. The nano zinc was developed as an alternative to zinc fertilizers, where the nano zinc is required only in small amounts i.e,10gm. The nano copper provides nutrition and protection to the plant.
iii.Benefits: These formulations would benefit in reducing the usage of conventional chemical fertilizers by 50%, increase crop production upto 15-30%, improve soil health, and also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
iv.Members present: Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State for Shipping (Independent Charge) and Chemicals & Fertilizers; Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of State for Agriculture; and Nitin Patel, Deputy Chief Minister, Gujarat, and other officials including Padma Shri awardee farmers were present at the event.
About IFFCO:
Founded- 3 November 1967.
Headquarters- New Delhi.
Managing Director- Uday Shankar Awasthi.
