“Nano in Indian Agriculture: Big Promise, Small Particles, Real Challenges”

With increasing population, retreating arable land, and global warming, Indian agriculture is faced with the daunting task of yielding more with less. The traditional methods of increasing crop yields are increasingly becoming unsustainable. Nanotechnology is now emerging as transformative force in agriculture, one that promises greater productivity, efficient use of inputs, and lower environmental footprint. From nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides to intelligent delivery systems, nanotech is already finding its place in Indian farms.

But like with every revolutionising innovation, the path from promise to performance is anything but smoothed. This article follows the new nanotech products in Indian agriculture, their potential, major challenges, and the pivotal role of the agri inputs industry in spreading this technology.

What is Nanotechnology in Agriculture?

Nanotechnology is the creation, manufacture, and usage of material at a nanoscale (1-100 nanometers) to exploit unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. If used in agriculture, it can completely transform input delivery and use. Some of the examples include:

• Nano-fertilisers releasing the nutrients slowly and controlled manner.

• Nano-pesticides that kill the specific pests with accuracy.

. Nano Zinc and Nano Copper: Used in micronutrient management.
- Nano Neem: A bio-based nano-pesticide.
- Nano-coated packaging: For fruits and vegetables.

• Nano-sensors for monitoring soil health, moisture, or disease in real-time.

These technologies have the potential to improve substantially input use efficiency and reduce environmental losses, in line with the goals of sustainable agriculture.

Current Nano Products for Indian Agriculture

India has taken early strides in the use of nanotech-based agro-products, with a focus on fertilisers. Some of the forefront examples are:

1. Nano Urea Plus (IFFCO)

•Indian Farmers Fertilisers Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has developed Nano Urea, a liquid product containing urea (16% w/w) (20% w/v) nanoparticles (20–50 nm).

• A 500 ml bottle can replace a 45 kg bag of traditional urea with significant curtailment in logistics and application expenses.

• 8–10% yield increase and 50% less consumption of urea has been established through field trials.

2. Nano DAP (PPL:6N-16P2O5)(IFFCO: 8N-16P2O5)

• PPL and IFFCO's another innovation, Nano DAP consists of nano-size phosphorus and nitrogen particles.

• promotes Targets better uptake of phosphorus, which was earlier not satisfactory because of fixation in soil.

• Currently in pilot usage in the states such as Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

(Of 365 Lakh bottles available for sale, 268 Lakh bottles of IFFCO Nano Urea Plus (Liquid) and 97 Lakh bottles of IFFCO Nano DAP (Liquid) were sold in FY 2024-25. IFFCO Nano Urea Plus (Liquid) has a turnover 31% and IFFCO Nano DAP (Liquid) 118% greater than FY 2023-24. Sale volume is equivalent to 12 lakh Metric Tonne of conventional Urea and 4.85 Metric Tonne of conventional DAP. Dr. U. S. Awasthi, MD, IFFCO disclosed that IFFCO would also be launching Nano NPK fertilisers in Granular form for application through soil in basal dose. Nano NPK fertilisers are supplemented with Magnesium, Sulphur, Zinc and Copper which would enhance crop yields & would reduce losses of nutrients).

3. Zinc oxide and Namo iron, Nano Boron and Nano Magnesium

•IFFCO, Coromandel International, Amar Bio Tech, Agri Venture and AgriLife are working to produce nano zinc and iron and other micronutrients to correct micronutrient deficiencies in crops.

•These Nano-chelates are more bioavailable and have lesser leaching losses.

4. Nano Pesticides

While yet in R&D or regulatory phases, nano-encapsulated pesticides such as nano neem or silver nanoparticles may be able to cut chemical usage while delivering more targeted and efficient pest control. ICAR, TERI and Private agri-bio tech companies are working on this.

5. Nano-Based Soil Moisture Retainers and Soil Improvers

Certain startups and companies like Proximal Soilsens are formulating nano clay particles and polymers for enhanced soil water retention, particularly critical in rainfed agriculture.

(Proximal Soilsens focuses on soil moisture sensing, offering technology for efficient irrigation and improved water use.) 

6. Water Purification Solutions:

IIT Delhi, TERI and CSIR are working Nano filtration membranes and nanomaterial for irrigation water purification in polluted region of Punjab and Gujarat.

7. Post Harvest Nano Coating and Smart Packaging.

To extends the shelf life of fruits like Mangoes, Bananas and prevent the microbial growth packaging material Nano Silica, Nano-Chitosan and silver nanoparticles pilot projected started in Maharashtra and Karnataka with the support of ICAR and CSIR.

Potentials of Nanotechnology in Indian Agriculture

1. Improved Nutrient Use Efficiency

Traditional fertilisers are often overused, leading to nutrient losses through leaching or volatilization. Nano-formulations can release nutrients in a phased manner, synchronized with crop demand, minimizing waste.

2. Higher Yields with Lower Input

Field studies with nano urea and nano DAP suggest better plant growth, root development, and chlorophyll content. As a result, farmers can achieve higher yields with lower fertiliser doses.

3. Environmental Sustainability

By cutting down chemical usage, nanotech can reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture and lower water contamination—a growing concern in India’s fertiliser-intensive regions.

4. Cost-effectiveness

Smaller packaging and efficient nutrient delivery can bring down overall input costs for farmers, particularly smallholders, who dominate Indian agriculture.

5. Real-time Monitoring

Nano sensors for soil moisture, nutrient deficiency, and pest presence can help farmers adopt precision farming, which minimizes losses and maximizes productivity.

Challenges in Adoption of Nanotechnology in Indian Agriculture

Despite promising field results and early commercialisation, several hurdles persist:

1. Limited Awareness Among Farmers

Most farmers are still unfamiliar with the concept of nanotechnology. Even in areas where products like Nano Urea are available, scepticism and confusion exist regarding usage, benefits, and safety.

2. Preference for Granular Fertilizers

During field visits in states like Punjab and Haryana, many farmers expressed reluctance to shift to liquid nano-formulations due to convenience issues. Granular fertilizers are easier to broadcast and mix during sowing, while nano liquids require more precise application techniques. Some of the farmers are also doubt the efficacy of the product.

3. Inadequate Field Demonstrations

Without on-ground demonstrations and proof of effectiveness, especially on local soils and crops, adoption will remain slow. The need for localised trials is critical.

4. Regulatory Gaps

India lacks a comprehensive and dedicated nano-agriculture regulatory framework. The guidelines for safety testing, environmental impact, and labelling are still evolving, creating uncertainty for manufacturers.

5. R&D and Infrastructure Limitations

Public-sector R&D in nanotechnology is underfunded. Most progress has been driven by cooperative players like IFFCO, but broader innovations in nano sensors, targeted delivery systems, and nano bio stimulants need institutional push.

Role of the Agri Inputs Industry

The agri inputs industry—comprising fertiliser companies, pesticide manufacturers, biotech startups, and cooperatives—has a pivotal role in scaling nanotech solutions for Indian agriculture.

1. Research and Innovation

Companies like IFFCO, Coromandel, and UPL are investing in nanotech R&D. Their in-house labs, collaborations with universities like ICAR and IITs, and pilot projects are critical for developing scalable, farmer-friendly products.

2. Manufacturing and Distribution

The success of nano urea demonstrates the industry's strength in large-scale production and nationwide distribution. IFFCO alone is capable of producing millions of nano bottles per year, supported by an extensive dealer network.

3. Farmer Education and Training

The agri input sector is uniquely positioned to bridge the knowledge gap through:

• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
• Demo plots and field days
• Digital campaigns and mobile apps
  Without such initiatives, farmers may misuse or underutilize nano products, defeating their purpose.

4. Customisation and Localisation

Indian farms are diverse in terms of soil, cropping pattern, and agro-climatic conditions. Industry players must tailor formulations and packaging (e.g., granular nano blends, sachets for 1-acre doses) to local needs.

5. Policy Advocacy

The private sector can collaborate with government bodies like FAI, DAC&FW, and DBT to:

• Advocate for clear nanotech regulations
• Ensure inclusion of nano products in subsidy schemes
• Push for certification and quality standards

6. Public-Private Partnerships

PPP models involving ICAR, state agricultural universities, and agri-input companies can accelerate trials, improve data availability, and reduce risks for all stakeholders.

The Road Ahead: Positioning Nanotech within India's Agricultural Strategy

Nanotechnology can only flourish at scale in India if there is a multi-frontal strategy:

1. Clarity of Regulation

There needs to be a National Nano-Agriculture Regulatory Authority within the Ministry of Agriculture or Environment to draft guidelines for:

•Product clearance

•Biosafety testing

•Environmental impact assessments

2. Farmer-Focused Product Design

Agri input industries need to make investment in consumer-friendly delivery mechanisms, i.e., granular nano-fertilisers or pre-mixed micro-dose sachets, particularly for small and marginal farmers.

3. Subsidy and Incentives

Like conventional fertilisers, nano-formulations also need to be brought under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, thereby making them cost-effective and incentivising their use.

4. Awareness and Trust Building

Farmer confidence should be built through concerted action by industry, government, and NGOs. Peer word-of-mouth, in-language brochures, and short videos can do this.

5. Foster R&D and Startups

Government-backed innovation grants, startup incubation, and university collaborations can lead new nano products to market more quickly.

Conclusion

Nanotechnology is a state-of-the-art technology that has the potential to revolutionize Indian agriculture by making precision input delivery a reality, enhancing productivity, and converting farming into sustainable farming. The process has already started with Nano Urea and Nano DAP, but adoption problems, trust, delivery mechanism, and policy remain in hand.

Here, the agri inputs industry—value chains, biotech companies, and fertilisers makers—plays a mission-critical function. Proper push, alliances, and policy stimuli, and nanotechnology may be the foundation stone of Indian agriculture revolution, particularly during times when "doing more with less" is not merely a strategy, but a compulsion.