Farmers Urged to Use Nano Urea as an Alternative to Conventional Urea Fertilizer

GADAG:
With abundant rainfall increasing soil moisture across the district, farmers are actively applying urea fertilizer as a top dressing for various crops including cowpea, sunflower, sorghum, groundnut, and cotton. However, Joint Director of Agriculture Taramani G.H. Rava has urged farmers to consider nano urea as a more effective and eco-friendly alternative.

He explained that while crystalline urea delivers only about 50% of the required nitrogen to crops—due to water runoff and poor absorption—nano urea, with its extremely small particle size (20–50 nm), ensures that nearly 80% of the nitrogen is effectively utilized by plants.

Nano urea is a liquid fertilizer primarily containing nitrogen. Once absorbed, it undergoes hydrolysis in the plant and is converted into ammonical and nitrate forms, providing the right amount of nitrogen needed. It also promotes better nutrient uptake overall, leading to improved crop growth and productivity.

Taramani emphasized that nano urea not only reduces input costs but also minimizes environmental risks. The filler materials in conventional urea contribute to soil degradation and nitrate pollution in water bodies, which can lead to serious health conditions like Blue Baby Syndrome in infants.

A 500 ml bottle of nano urea, sufficient for one acre, costs Rs 225 (non-subsidized), while the granular form costs Rs 266 (with subsidy). He added that increasing the use of nano urea will help reduce the central government’s subsidy burden on imported fertilizers and conserve foreign exchange.

Farmers were encouraged to adopt this innovative fertilizer to support both sustainable agriculture and national economic interests.