Daily News Analysis

Efficacy of nano urea

stylish_lining

Context: A two-year field study conducted by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) scientists on the effectiveness of Liquid Nano Urea has revealed a significant reduction in rice and wheat yields compared to the application of conventional nitrogen (N) fertilizer.

News:

These results highlight the importance of conducting extended, long-term field assessments spanning 5-7 years to determine the equivalence of nano urea to traditional urea and its sustainability in sustaining crop yields.

Key Findings on the Effectiveness of Liquid Nano Urea:

  1. Yield Reduction:
    • A substantial decrease in crop yields was observed with the use of nano urea compared to conventional nitrogen fertilizers.
    • Specifically, there was a 21.6% reduction in wheat yield and a 13% decrease in rice yield.
  2. Grain Nitrogen Content:
    • The application of nano urea led to a decline in grain nitrogen content in both rice and wheat crops.
    • Grain nitrogen content decreased by 17% for rice and 11.5% for wheat, indicating lower protein levels in the harvested crops.
  3. Concerns for Staple Foods:
    • The reduced grain nitrogen content raises concerns, particularly in a country like India where rice and wheat are staple foods providing essential protein and carbohydrates.
  4. Cost Considerations:
    • The cost of the nano urea formulation was found to be 10 times higher than that of granular urea, potentially adding to the overall cultivation expenses for farmers.
  5. Crop Biomass and Root Volume:
    • The application of nano urea resulted in a decrease in both above-ground biomass and root volume.
    • The reduced root volume had implications for nutrient uptake processes, impacting the overall health and growth of the crops.

Liquid Nano Urea:

Composition:

- Liquid Nano Urea is urea presented in nanoparticle form, serving as a liquid nutrient alternative to traditional urea for supplying nitrogen to plants.

Characteristics:

- Urea is a chemical nitrogen fertilizer, typically white, providing essential nitrogen, a key nutrient for plant growth.

- The nano urea is engineered to substitute conventional urea, potentially reducing the requirement for the latter by at least 50%.

Concentration:

- A 500 ml bottle of Liquid Nano Urea contains 40,000 mg/L of nitrogen, equivalent to the nitrogen impact of one bag of conventional urea.

Launch:

- Introduced in June 2021, Liquid Nano Urea was launched by the Indian Farmers and Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO).

Development:

- Developed domestically at the IFFCO-Nano Biotechnology Research Centre in Kalol, Gujarat, aligning with the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) and Atmanirbhar Krishi (Self-reliant Agriculture).

Importance:

- Particularly significant as India relies on imports to fulfill its urea requirements.

Application Method:

- Liquid Nano Urea is applied as a foliar spray, intended for use once leaves have emerged on the crops.

 

Indian Ports Act, 2025

Why is the Indian Ports Act, 2025 in the News? The President of India has granted assent to the Indian Ports Act, 2025, which replaces the previous Indian Ports Act of 1908. This new Act aims t
Share It

Private Sector in Defense Production

The growth in private sector participation in India's defense production marks a significant shift in the country’s defense strategy and industrial landscape. The private sector share in
Share It

India-Mauritius

The visit of the Prime Minister of Mauritius to Varanasi marked a significant milestone in strengthening the India-Mauritius bilateral ties. Describing India as a trusted partner in Mauritius'
Share It

solar manufacturing ecosystem

India's ambitious plan to develop a fully indigenous solar manufacturing ecosystem by 2028 is an essential step towards achieving energy security, sustainability, and enhancing its position as
Share It

Political Unrest in Nepal

Nepal’s ongoing political unrest, exacerbated by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation and youth-led protests, has created a volatile environment that directly impacts India&rsqu
Share It

Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers

Karnataka has recently passed the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025, aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of gig workers. Key Provisions of t
Share It

Income Tax Act 2025

The Income Tax Act, 2025 has received Presidential assent and will replace the Income Tax Act, 1961. The new Act is designed to simplify tax laws, modernize existing provisions, and improve the ef
Share It

Cotton Sector

The Union Government has taken significant steps to support the cotton sector in India, addressing key challenges related to rising imports, farmer welfare, and low domestic production. These meas
Share It

Aircraft Leasing: Wet and Dry Lease

In light of the ongoing global aircraft shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, airlines have increasingly turned to wet and dry leases as solutions. These leas
Share It

India and Israel Sign New Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)

India and Israel have recently signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), marking a significant development in their bilateral relationship. This agreement, which replaces the older BIT signed in
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS