The recent inauguration of the first Liquid Nano Urea (LNU) plant at Kalol, Gujarat marked a significant step forward in the sphere of agriculture. The plant is producing an Indigenous urea, introduced primarily by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) for farmers all over the world.
About Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO)
Founded in 1967 as a small cooperative society with only 57 cooperatives, IFFCO today comprises of over 36,000 Indian Cooperatives. Its business interests span from General Insurance to Rural Telecom in addition to its primary operations of manufacturing and selling fertilizers. The organization’s purpose is empowering Indian farmers, enabling them to thrive via a timely supply of reliable, high-quality agricultural inputs, services, and additional activities to better their welfare.
Introduction to Liquid Nano Urea
Liquid Nano Urea, a type of urea converted into a nanoparticle, is emerging as a promising alternative to conventional urea. This innovative product has been developed indigenously at the Nano Biotechnology Research Centre in Kalol, Gujarat. This breakthrough aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Atmanirbhar Krishi’s objectives, leading India away from its dependence on urea imports.
The liquid nano urea aims to decrease the excessive and indiscriminate use of traditional urea, increase crop productivity, and reduce environmental pollution. It contains 40,000 mg/L of nitrogen in a 500 ml bottle, matching the nitrogen nutrient impact provided by a bag of typical urea.
Significance of Liquid Nano Urea
Several vital factors emphasize the importance of liquid nano urea. Firstly, it enhances plant nutrition, boosting production with improved nutritional quality. It helps in achieving balanced nutrition by decreasing excess urea application, resulting in stronger, healthier crops. Secondly, it helps improve environmental conditions by significantly reducing global warming impact and contributing to sustainable development. Finally, as it is relatively inexpensive, it will increase farmers’ income and reduce logistics and warehousing costs.
Comparing Liquid Nano Urea with Conventional Urea
Liquid nano urea has a distinct edge over conventional urea in multiple aspects. While the efficiency of conventional urea is around 25%, the liquid nano urea boasts a robust efficiency rate of 85-90%. Conventional urea often fails to leave the desired effect on crops due to incorrect application and nitrogen loss through vaporization or gaseous form.
Liquid nano urea is sprayed directly on plants’ leaves and absorbed, providing a targeted supply of nutrients. The nano fertilizers are absorbed by the stomata, pores found on leaf epidermis, making the nutrient supply much more efficient. Additionally, liquid nano urea is more economical. A half-litre bottle of nano urea priced at Rs 240 can replace one bag of urea, whereas a farmer pays around Rs 300 for a 50-kg bag of subsidized urea.
Implications for UPSC Civil Services Examination
A clear understanding of liquid nano urea and its impact on agriculture and the environment can be beneficial for aspirants of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Some of the questions in previous years have touched upon topics related to chemical fertilizers, their production, and their effects. This invention, along with knowledge of the production process of ammonia from natural gas and sulphur from oil refineries, holds relevance for future examinations.
