Is Nano-Urea Really Helping Farmers? A New Study Raises Concerns

 

Is Nano-Urea Really Helping Farmers? A New Study Raises Concerns

A new study by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has raised serious concerns about Nano-Urea, a liquid fertilizer promoted by the Indian government and IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative). Nano urea was introduced as a revolutionary product to reduce fertilizer use and costs, but the latest findings suggest it might not be as effective as claimed.

What is Nano-Urea?

Nano-Urea is a liquid fertilizer made using nanotechnology. It contains 4% nitrogen in a 500 ml bottle (about 20 grams of nitrogen). 

In comparison, a regular 45-kg bag of urea contains 20 kg of nitrogen. Unlike traditional urea, which is applied to the soil, Nano-Urea is sprayed on plant leaves.

It was commercially launched in 2022 as an innovation to reduce fertilizer subsidies and import costs. It is used especially for major crops like wheat and paddy. 

Instead of applying urea to the soil, farmers spray Nano-Urea on leaves at key plant stages. It claims to replace one bag of regular urea with just one 500 ml bottle.

Key Findings from PAU Study:

• Protein content in rice and wheat fell by 35% and 24% respectively when Nano-Urea was used.
• Crop yields and grain quality may reduce with long-term use.
• Plants showed weaker root growth and took in less nutrients.
• The low nitrogen content in Nano-Urea was not enough to meet the crops' needs.
• Even new versions with 8% and 20% nitrogen did not improve yields in PAU’s trials (results yet to be published).

The study, conducted during 2021–2022, was funded by IFFCO but published in the peer-reviewed journal Plant and Soil, adding credibility to its results.

 Why This Matters:

Rice and wheat form about 70% of India’s total food grain production. If yields or quality drop, it could harm farmer incomes and affect food security across the country.

Reference: The Hindu newspaper, Month:January2025, News by Jacob Koshy