Context:
The government has no plans to bring nano fertilizer production under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, as confirmed by MoS Chemicals and Fertilizers, Anupriya Patel.
PLI schemes, which were introduced in 2020 under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat‘ and ‘Make in India’, aim to strengthen domestic manufacturing, attract investments, boost exports, and reduce import dependence.
What are Nano-Coated Fertilisers?
- Nano-coated fertilizers are fertilizers that have been coated with a layer of nanoparticles or nanomaterials. These nanomaterials can be organic or inorganic compounds, such as polymers, metals, or ceramics, that are designed to control the release of nutrients into the soil. The nano-coating serves to slow down the degradation or leaching of nutrients, ensuring that plants receive a steady supply of nutrients over an extended period.
- In traditional fertilizers, nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are quickly released into the soil, leading to nutrient loss through leaching, volatilization, and runoff. Nano-coated fertilizers, however, use nanotechnology to enhance the efficiency of nutrient uptake by crops while minimizing wastage.
How Do Nano-Coated Fertilisers Work?
Nano-coating works through several mechanisms, mainly focusing on controlling the release rate of nutrients to the plants. Here’s how it works in more detail:
- Slow and Controlled Release:
- The nano-coating acts as a barrier, controlling how quickly the nutrients are released. Instead of releasing nutrients all at once, the coating slows down the process, allowing the nutrients to be available for a longer period.
- Protection from Environmental Losses:
- Traditional fertilizers often face nutrient loss due to evaporation, runoff, or leaching. Nano-coatings protect the nutrients from environmental conditions, allowing them to stay intact in the soil until they are absorbed by the plant.
- Increased Nutrient Uptake Efficiency:
- By offering nutrients in a more controlled and gradual manner, nano-coated fertilizers reduce nutrient wastage, ensuring that plants can absorb a larger percentage of the nutrients.
- Enhanced Solubility and Bioavailability:
- The nanoparticles used in the coating can also increase the solubility of certain nutrients, making them more readily available to the plants.
