20 May 2025, New Delhi: For holistic development during its lifecycle, a plant requires 17 essential nutrients. Among these, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are primary macronutrients that contribute the most to plant growth. These nutrients can be supplied organically or through chemical fertilizers. However, since organic sources contain these nutrients in very limited quantities, chemical fertilizers remain the primary choice—such as urea for nitrogen, super phosphate, DAP, NPK for phosphorus, and muriate of potash for potassium.
India requires nearly 47.5 million tonnes of urea, DAP, NPK, and potash annually, for which the government provides a subsidy of approximately ₹2.6 lakh crore. These fertilizers primarily supply N, P, and K. However, the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of these traditional fertilizers is quite low—only 30-35% for nitrogen, 10-20% for phosphorus, and 25-30% for potassium are utilized by the plants. The rest either escape into the atmosphere or become immobilized in the soil. Nearly 60-70% of the nitrogen applied gets converted into nitrous oxide, contributing to air pollution and climate change, or leaches into water sources, causing pollution.
To reduce the negative effects of nitrogen use, continuous research is being conducted by various institutions. In 2021, the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) launched the world’s first Nano Urea (liquid), which was later upgraded to Nano Urea Plus (liquid) in 2024, containing 20% nitrogen (w/v). It has been approved under the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO, 1985) by the Government of India.
Nano Urea Technology
Nano nitrogen particles, ranging from 20-50 nanometers, are encapsulated nitrogen analogs embedded in an organic matrix. From one particle of regular urea, around 55,000 nano urea particles are derived—making their surface area 10,000 times greater. These particles are evenly dispersed in water. Due to their small size, high surface area, and efficient nutrient delivery (upto 80% efficiency), nano urea enhances nitrogen availability in the plant system. When sprayed on leaves during critical growth stages, it is absorbed through stomata and other pores, then transported via the phloem to different parts of the plant.
Environmental and Agronomic Benefits
Nano Urea is a vital component of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) as it supports precision and sustainable agriculture. Its manufacturing consumes less energy and fewer resources, making it a clean and green technology. It also reduces nutrient losses through leaching and emissions, thereby minimizing the carbon footprint and mitigating environmental pollution and climate change.
IFFCO Nano Urea complies with the testing guidelines of OICD and NAIP (Nano Agri-Input Products), under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
Advantages of Nano Urea:
Bio-safe and environmentally friendly
Enhances crop yield and quality
Cheaper than traditional urea
Improves soil health
Easier to store and transport
Reduces pest and disease incidence
Ideal for rainfed (barani) farming
Method of Use for Nano Urea Plus (Liquid):
Dilute 4 ml of Nano Urea Plus in 1 liter of water for foliar spray. For one acre, use 500 ml Nano Urea Plus in 125 liters of water.
For narrow-leaf crops like wheat and paddy, spray twice: once at 35–40 days and again at 50–60 days after sowing.
For broad-leaf crops like cotton and sunflower, the first spray should be done at 20–25 days and the second at 50–55 days.
Ensure good leaf coverage during the first spray to prevent product loss.
For long-duration crops like sugarcane and vegetables, more frequent applications may be used.
Nano Urea Plus can be combined with Nano DAP, water-soluble fertilizers, and Sagarika (a biostimulant). Conduct a jar test before mixing with other agrochemicals.
Performance Results in Madhya Pradesh (2021–2024):
In 1,694 field demonstrations across key crops in Madhya Pradesh, an average yield increase of 3.15% was recorded.
Crop
No. of Demos
Yield Increase (%)
Urd (Black Gram)
23
5.75
Brinjal
10
3.89
Chickpea
55
2.05
Chilli
12
1.05
Cotton
5
7.27
Garlic
36
1.76
Lentil
17
2.59
Maize
160
3.74
Mustard
67
4.46
Onion
49
1.48
Paddy
132
2.39
Pea
22
6.04
Potato
78
1.71
Soybean
49
2.55
Tomato
28
1.26
Wheat
951
2.45
Total/Average
1694
3.15
Nano DAP (Liquid): An Excellent Source of Phosphorus
IFFCO’s Nano DAP (liquid) is a superior source of Nitrogen (8.0% w/v) and Phosphorus (16.0% P₂O₅ w/v) for all crops. It addresses nutrient deficiencies, especially in standing crops.
Its nano particles are smaller than 100 nm, giving them a larger surface area relative to volume. This unique property helps it easily enter seeds and plants via stomata or cuticles. The nano clusters of nitrogen and phosphorus in Nano DAP are functionalized with bio-polymers and excipients.
Nano DAP enhances seed vigor, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, grain quality, and yield. Through precise application, it meets plant nutrition needs without harming the environment. In ideal conditions, the nutrient use efficiency of Nano DAP exceeds 90%.
When applied through seed or root treatment, Nano DAP delivers nutrients effectively, ensuring maximum benefit with minimal loss.
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