IFFCO Bets Big on Nano Fertilisers with Rs 2,000-Crore Investment

IFFCO has invested Rs 2,000 crore since 2017 in innovative nano-liquid urea and DAP fertilisers, which it believes farmers will adopt widely in the next 2-3 years. Additionally, it's promoting these products heavily among farmers and aims for substantial capacity utilization soon.

Fertiliser major IFFCO has invested approximately Rs 2,000 crore since 2017 into two new innovative products: nano liquid urea and nano liquid DAP. According to Managing Director U S Awasthi, the co-operative is optimistic that these key nutrients will see widespread adoption by farmers over the next 2-3 years.

In June 2021, IFFCO launched the world's first 'Nano Liquid Urea' fertiliser, followed by Nano-DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) in April 2023. Priced at Rs 240 per 500 ml bottle for nano urea and Rs 600 for nano liquid DAP, these products were developed with significant investments in research, development, and manufacturing facilities.

IFFCO is also pouring Rs 200 crore annually into promoting nano urea and nano-DAP, alongside conventional urea and DAP, to raise farmer awareness. Notably, one 500 ml bottle of nano liquid DAP equals a 50 kg bag of conventional DAP, while a bottle of nano urea matches a 45 kg bag of traditional urea.

To further encourage the use of nano fertilisers, IFFCO plans to procure 2,500 agricultural drones and train rural entrepreneurs. The company has also acquired 2,500 electric three-wheelers to transport these drones to farmlands.

At present, IFFCO's annual manufacturing capacity is 16 crore bottles for nano liquid urea and 7 crore bottles for nano liquid DAP, though they are operating at just 15% of this capacity. Awasthi is hopeful that they will reach 80% capacity utilization within the next 2-3 years.

Nano fertilisers can enhance crop productivity by 3-20% and protect soil health when applied correctly, indicating their potential to revolutionize agricultural practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)