Nano Urea: Claims, Study Findings and Concerns
Why in the news
A study challenged nano urea, a nanotechnology-based nitrogen fertiliser promoted as a cheaper, greener alternative to regular urea.
Key facts
- Developer: IFFCO, in 2022; marketed as a cheaper urea substitute.
- Claim: 500 ml equals 52 kg of urea, cutting urea use and imports.
- Study: paddy and wheat, about 70% of food grain output, yielded less; protein fell 35% in rice and 24% in wheat.
- Urea economics: need of 350 lakh tonnes a year with 40 lakh tonnes imported; a 45 kg subsidised bag costs farmers ₹242 against over ₹3000 production cost.
| Aspect | Urea | Nano urea |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Soil, granules or liquid | Leaf spray |
| Issue | Nitrogen loss via leaching and volatilisation | Plants drew mostly soil nitrogen; lower roots length and dry weight |
| Claim | High nitrogen content | More efficient, less pollution |
Concerns
- Independent trials gave results inconsistent with IFFCO’s early successes.
- Variants with 8% and 20% nitrogen are being developed, without evidence of better yield.
- Early adoption risks lasting yield loss, poorer grain quality and farmer losses.
Way forward
Long-term, comprehensive assessments and research on better formulations and nitrogen uptake.
Exam angle
- Developer and form: IFFCO, liquid, foliar spray.
- Terms: nanotechnology, leaching, volatilisation, subsidised urea.