Context
The Economic Survey 2021-22 has recently said that there is a need to explore options and promote use of alternative fertilisers such as nano urea along with organic fertilisers that protect the soil and are more productive and contribute to higher nutrient use efficiency.
Other focus-area in survey
The Survey said that focus should be on use of new technology including:
- drones and artificial intelligence-based decision support systems
- reduction in use of chemical fertilizers
- use of low-cost organic inputs
- supporting start-ups for innovations
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What are Nano Fertilizers?
- Nano-fertilizers are synthesized or modified forms of traditional fertilizers which are encapsulated with different nanoparticles which help in slow release of fertilizers resulting in exact dosage availability to the plants.
- In recent years, nano fertilizers have begun to be produced to obtain the highest amount and quality of production from the unit area i.e. increasing the crop yield while minimizing the excessive use of chemical fertilizers at the same time.
- They promise a great deal for application in plant nourishment because of the size-dependent qualities, high surface-volume ratio, and unique properties. Nano-fertilizers release plant nutrients in a controlled manner contributing to higher nutrient use efficiency.
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Currently, India imports over 90% of its fertilizer requirements. India requires significant investment to increase its domestic production capacity.
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Significance
Nano-fertilizers assumes significance as it:
- increase the nutrient usage efficiency
- minimize nutrient losses
- decrease soil toxicity
- reduce the ill effects connected with over dosage along with decreasing the frequency of treatments
- increase the seed germination
- reduce fertilizer application frequency
- help in water and nutrient management
- bring down the amount of spread chemicals
