16 February 2024, New Delhi: In a thought-provoking opinion paper titled “Is India’s largest fertilizer manufacturer misleading farmers and society using dubious plant and soil science?” authored by Max Frank and Søren Husted, concerns have been raised regarding the marketing strategies and claims made by the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO).
Nitrogen (N) fertilizers have undoubtedly played a significant role in sustaining food production for the exponentially growing world population. However, the excessive use of N fertilizers, coupled with poor nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), has led to severe environmental consequences. The scientific community has repeatedly warned that the safe operating space for N within planetary boundaries has been exceeded.
In this context, IFFCO, as a global player and India’s largest fertilizer manufacturer, has recently introduced a nanotechnology-based fertilizer called Nano Urea (NU). The astonishing feature of this product is that it claims to replace a 45 kg bag of conventional urea with just 20 g of NU applied as a foliar spray. According to IFFCO, NU has the potential to increase the NUE of crops by more than 1000 times compared to conventional urea.
However, Frank and Husted question the validity of these claims. They argue that NU is a poorly described product lacking scientifically proven effects. The authors assert that IFFCO’s marketing statements concerning NU’s fertilizer efficiency, plant uptake pathways, and environmental friendliness are misleading and inaccurate.
The consequences of IFFCO’s claims could be far-reaching. The authors express concerns that if farmers rely on NU based on exaggerated expectations, it may result in large-scale yield losses, posing serious threats to food security and the livelihoods of farmers. Additionally, the authors highlight the potential harm to the credibility of innovative sustainable products and the science behind them.
The opinion paper emphasizes the need for greater scientific scrutiny and evidence-based research to substantiate the efficacy and mode of action of novel nanofertilizers like NU. It argues that before these products are launched into the market, it is imperative to prioritize rigorous scientific investigation to ensure accurate claims and prevent potential negative consequences.
The IFFCO case serves as a reminder of the importance of scientifically proving the efficacy and environmental impact of emerging agricultural technologies. As the use of novel nano-based fertilizers continues to grow worldwide, the authors urge stakeholders to exercise caution and demand scientific evidence before embracing these products.
