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Context

• As Nirmala Sitharaman announced that application of nano DAP on various crops will be expanded in all agro-climatic zones, fertiliser stocks jumped in trade.

Nano-DAP

• Nano-DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate) is an innovative agri-input developed by the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), utilizing nanotechnology to enhance efficiency in nutrient delivery to plants.

Key Features:

• Contains 8% nitrogen and 16% phosphorus, distinguishing it from conventional granular DAP with 18% nitrogen and 46% phosphorus.
• A 500 ml bottle of Nano-DAP is equivalent to a 50kg bag of regular DAP, costing ₹600 (without subsidy), compared to ₹1,350 per bag for conventional DAP (with subsidy).

Patent and Manufacturing Insights:

• IFFCO holds a 20-year patent for Nano-DAP, securing a 20% royalty for global usage.
• Manufacturing facilities established in Kalol, Kandla (Gujarat), and Paradeep (Odisha).

Production and Collaborative Endeavors:

• Produced in collaboration with Coromandel, a private player.
• Second product in the nano stable after Nano Urea, aligning with government efforts to reduce subsidies and enhance chemical efficiency.

Benefits

Crop Enhancement Benefits:

Higher Crop Yield:

• Improves nutrient availability, leading to enhanced yields.
• Increases chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, root biomass, and tillers/branches.

Economic Advantages

Increase in Farmers’ Income:

• Lower input costs and improved crop quality contribute to higher income.

Nutritional Impact:

Quality Food:

• Harvested food exhibits higher nutritional value in protein and nutrients.

Environmental Sustainability:

Environment-Friendly:

• Resource and energy-efficient production.
• Reduces excess fertilizer application, promoting agricultural sustainability.

Fertilizer Efficiency:

Reduction in Chemical Fertilizer Use:

• Replaces 50% of conventional DAP’s phosphorus requirement, improving fertilizer efficiency.

Logistics Convenience:

Easy Storage and Transport:

• Requires smaller amounts, reducing logistics and easing transportation for farmers.

Government Subsidy Consideration:

Reduction in Subsidy Burden:

• Cost-effectiveness contributes to lowering the government's subsidy burden.

About Nano Fertilizers:

• Designed using nanotechnology for efficient nutrient delivery to plants.
• Involves molecular-level material manipulation.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements regarding Nano-DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate): A. Nano-DAP, developed by IFFCO, contains 18% nitrogen and 46% phosphorus. B. The cost of a 500 ml bottle of Nano-DAP is lower than a 50kg bag of conventional DAP, even without subsidies. C. IFFCO holds a 10-year patent for Nano-DAP, allowing a 30% royalty for global usage. D. Nano-DAP is the only nanotechnology-based agri-input developed by IFFCO. Which of the statements is/are incorrect? 1.B only 2.B and D only 3.A, C and D only 4.B, C, and D only Answer: 3. A and B only Explanation: Statement A is incorrect. Nano-DAP contains 8% nitrogen and 16% phosphorus, not 18% nitrogen and 46% phosphorus. Statement B is correct. The cost of a 500 ml bottle of Nano-DAP is lower than a 50kg bag of conventional DAP, even without subsidies. Statement C is incorrect. The information about the patent duration and royalty percentage is not provided in the given information. Statement D is incorrect. Nano-DAP is mentioned as the second product from the nano stable after Nano Urea, implying that there is another nanotechnology-based agri-input developed by IFFCO. Therefore, the correct answer is 3. A and B only