13-Aug-2022: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh unveils India’s first Saline Water Lantern which uses the sea water as the electrolyte between specially designed electrodes to power the LED lamps

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh has launched India’s first Saline Water Lantern which uses the sea water as the electrolyte between specially designed electrodes to power the LED lamps.

Dr Jitendra Singh unveiled the first-of-its kind lantern named “Roshni” during a visit to SAGAR ANVESHIKA, a Coastal Research Vessel, operated and used by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai for coastal research. The Minister said, Saline Water Lantern will bring “Ease of Living” to the poor and needy, particularly the fishing community living along the 7500 Kilometres long coastal line of India.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that Saline Water Lantern will also boost and supplement Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s UJALA scheme launched in 2015 for distribution of LED bulbs across the country. He said, Roshini Lamps along with Power Ministry’s schemes like Solar Study Lamps will be driving a vibrant renewable energy programme aimed at achieving energy security, energy access and reducing the carbon footprints of the national economy.

Dr Jitendra Singh also pointed out that this technology can also be used in hinterlands, where sea water is not available, as any saline water or normal water mixed with the common salt can be used to power the lantern, which is not only cost-effective, but very easy to operate. The Minister lauded the NIOT team for inventing the Roshini Lamp and advised them to transfer the technology to the industry for mass production of this multipurpose lamp which can be of immense help in rural and remote areas and in the times of the disasters.

Later, Dr Jitendra Singh along with the Secretary, MoES Dr. M. Ravichandran visited the laboratories and hoisted tricolour on board the ship. Extending the campaign of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’, to ‘Har Jahaj Tiranga’ the Minister hoisted the Indian flag on board the vessel. He also met the senior scientists of NIOT onboard the vessel and reviewed the progress of the implementation of the Deep Ocean Mission of India.

Dr Jitendra Singh also reviewed the progress of NIOT developed Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) technology for conversion of sea water to potable water, which has been successfully demonstrated in Lakshadweep islands. He informed that three desalination plants based on the LTTD technology have been developed and demonstrated at Kavaratti, Agatti and Minicoy Islands of Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The capacity of each of these LTTD plants is 1 Lakh litre of potable water per day.

Secretary, MoES Dr. M. Ravichandran apprised Dr Jitendra Singh that based on the success of these plants, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through Union Territory (UT) Lakshadweep has entrusted the work of establishing 6 more LTTD plants at Amini, Androth, Chetlet, Kadmat, Kalpeni and Kiltan with a capacity of 1.5 lakhs litres/day. The LTTD technology is found suitable for Lakshadweep islands where the required temperature difference of about 15⁰C between sea surface water and deep-sea water is found in the vicinity of Lakshadweep coasts only as of now.

The cost of desalination plant depends on a number of factors inter alia which includes technology used and location of plant. The total cost of the six LTTD plants in Lakshadweep islands is Rs. 187.75 cr.

12-Aug-2022: Dr Mansukh Mandaviya reviews progress of Nano Urea production and sales for FY 2022-23

Union Minister of Chemical and Fertilizers, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed progress of Nano Urea (liquid) production and sales for the FY 2022-23, here today. During the meeting he also reviewed progress of nano urea in terms of acceptability by the farmers, its production, supply plan and steps initiated by Dept. of Fertilizers (DoF) for enhancing its reach to farmers and retailers.

The Minister was apprised that during the period from 1st April, 2022 to 10th August, 2022 nano urea production and dispatches had been 1.23 crore bottles. From 1st August 2021, a total of 3.27 crore bottles have been sold, of which 2.15 crore bottles were sold during FY 2021-22 and 1.125 crore bottles (500 mL) during FY 2022-22 up to 10th August 2022.  The existing unit of nano urea has a production capacity of 1.5 lakh bottles per day. From September – December, 2022 and January – March 2023; additional 4.60 crore bottles will be produced. Thus, during the FY 2022-23, about 6.0 crore bottles of nano urea will be produced and made available to farmers. These 6.0 crore bottles will be equivalent to 27 lakh MT quantity of conventional urea.

During the review, Dr Mandaviya observed that nano urea is now being widely accepted by farmers across the country. He stated that with the inclusion of Nano Urea in the monthly supply plan of the states by Dept. of Fertilizers, its availability and reach to the farmers will increase manifold. The Minister directed the department officials for promotion of Nano urea in mission mode to harness its benefits. He also directed for sensitization of retailers by organizing retailers’ meetings at periodic intervals in coordination with other state departments. He also pointed out that nano urea promotion and its acceptance by the farmers will indeed be a game changer for the fertilizer scenario of the country.

Nano Urea is an innovative nano fertilizer developed indigenously.  It is a perfect example of initiatives undertaken under the AATMANIRBHAR KRISHI & AATMANIRBHAR BHARAT for ensuring food and nutritional security of the nation. Nano Urea is produced by an energy efficient environment friendly production process with less carbon footprints. Its application to crops as foliar fertilization enhances crop productivity to the tune of 8% with commensurate benefits in terms of better soil, air and water, and farmers profitability. Scaling up of production and sales as well as application of Nano Urea will also lead to reduction in green House Gas (GHGs) emissions over a period of time.

25-Mar-2022: Application of Nano-Fertilizers

Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) has provisionally notified Nano Urea as Nano Nitrogen Fertilizers in Fertilizer Control Order, 1985.

As per the 11,000 All India Farmers field trials on 94 crops conducted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-KVKs, the application of Nano Urea results into better crop productivity.

Two Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSUs) namely National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited (RCF) have also signed MoUs with IFFCO for transfer of technology for setting up nano urea plants at Nangal (Punjab) and Trombay (Maharashtra), respectively.

Department has also issued guidelines for development of entrepreneurs for drone spraying of liquid fertilizers. Use of Nano Urea is promoted through different activities such as awareness camps, webinars, nuked nataks, field demonstrations, kisan sammelans and films in regional languages etc.

1-Oct-2021: Successful field trial of Drone spraying of Nano Urea undertaken

In the presence of Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, a practical field trial of Drone Spraying of Nano Liquid Urea was conducted in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. The trial was attended by a large number of farmers. This demonstration of spraying liquid nano urea by drone was undertaken by IFFCO, a company involved in developing nano urea.

Union Minister Shri Mandaviya underscored the activity as a huge achievement. “India has become the first country in the world to start commercial production of Nano Urea. Not only has Nano Urea been produced on a large scale today, but we are happy that farmers are adopting it on a large scale since the very beginning. It started production in June and till now we have produced more than 5 million bottles of Nano Urea. More than one lakh bottles of nano urea are being produced every day”, he said.

Talking about the field trials of drone spraying held today, Mr. Mandaviya said, “Many questions and doubts remain in the minds of people regarding conventional spraying of fertilizers and pesticides. Concerns are also expressed about the potential harm to the health of the sprayers. Drone spraying will solve these questions and problems. Drones will be able to spray more land in less time. This will save the time of the farmers. The cost of spraying will be less. This will result in financial savings to the farmers. Along with this, the safety of the sprinklers will also be ensured.”

Shri Mandaviya said that in a short span of time, Liquid Nano Urea has emerged as a powerful alternative to conventional Urea. He also said that increasing use of liquid nano urea will result in economic savings to the farmers, increase productivity and reduce India's dependence on urea imports. This will also reduce the subsidy burden on the government and the government will be able to use this savings on other public welfare schemes.

IFFCO in its study has found that spraying nano urea through drones is more effective on crops and will also have a positive effect on productivity. A large number of farmers participated in today's trial and eagerly inquired about nano urea and the technique of drone spraying. IFFCO experts answered the queries of the farmers.

On this occasion, along with Union Minister Shri Mandaviya, Chairman of National Cooperative Union of India and Vice President of IFFCO Shri Dilip Bhai Sanghani was also present.

6-Aug-2021: Nano Urea can enhance farmer’s crop yields and save nitrogen to the extent of 50%, shows trials

The Nano-fertilizer holds great promise for application in plant nourishment because of the size-dependent qualities, high surface-volume ratio, and unique properties. Nano-fertilizers releases plant nutrients in a controlled manner contributing to higher nutrient use efficiency.

Experimental trials of Nano Nitrogen (Nano urea developed by IFFCO) undertaken during Rabi/Zaid 2019-20 through National Agriculture Research System (NARS) at 7 ICAR research institute/state agricultural Universities on different crops like Paddy, Wheat, Mustard, Maize, Tomato, Cabbage, Cucumber, Capsicum, Onion etc. were found agronomically suitable indicating that nano nitrogen (Nano Urea) can enhance farmer’s crop yields beside nitrogen saving to the extent of 50%.

National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd   (RCF) PSUs of DoF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative Ltd. (IFFCO) for the technology transfer for production of Nano Urea.

IFFCO has sought permission from the Department of Fertilizers for export   of Nano Urea (liquid) manufactured from its Nano Fertilizer Plant facility set up at Kalol, Gujarat.

27-Jul-2021: For ‘Transfer of Technology’ of a revolutionary Nano Urea Liquid fertiliser, NFL and RCF sign MOUs with IFFCO

National Fertilisers Limited (NFL) and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers Ltd (RCF) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) for ‘transfer of technology’ of a revolutionary and game changer fertiliser Nano Urea Liquid today.

MoUs and other related agreements were signed in the  presence of Minister of Chemicals & Fertilisers and Health & Family Welfare Shri Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Shri Bhagwanth Khuba and senior officials of the ministry.

To enhance the adaptability of Nano Urea by farmers, technology transfer from IFFCO to public sector fertiliser companies will be achieved through these MOUs. This technology transfer will ramp up the production leading towards consistent supply resulting in faster adoption and would also result in more savings to farmers and government subsidies.

Under these agreements, IFFCO will transfer the technology of Liquid Nano Urea to NFL and RCF. In the near future, NFL and RCF will establish new Nano Urea production plants to increase the supply of Nano Urea to farmers of the country. Shri Mandaviya said that signing of these MoUs shows the commitment of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led Government towards serving the interest of ‘Annadata’ (farmers) of the country and making the country 'Aatma Nirbhar’ in fertilizers.

He also said, “Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji in his Independence Day address in 2019 appealed to the farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers to save mother earth. The Prime Minister had said that we are destroying our mother earth and as children of this mother, as a farmer, we have no right to destroy mother earth. Taking inspiration from these words of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has continuously worked in this direction. Nano Urea made by IFFCO has the potential to prove to be a game changer for agriculture in the country. India has become the first country globally to start commercial production of Nano Urea.”

While underlining the needs of faster adaptability of Nano Urea, Shri Mandaviya said that there is an imbalanced use of fertilizers in India. This is deteriorating the health of soil. Imbalanced use is also causing water pollution and air pollution. Nano urea is a revolutionary product which will help in solving these problems by reducing the use of urea by upto 50 percent. Nano Urea being an eco-friendly product will protect the health of the soil.

Emphasizing the financial aspect of the Nano urea, Shri Mandaviya said that apart from direct savings, transportation cost will also come down. The storage of Nano urea will also be easy for the farmers. Direct financial savings, reduction in transportation cost and better production will increase the income of the farmers. With this the country will move towards fulfilling the Prime Minister's dream of doubling the farmers' income. Nano urea will also reduce the import of conventional urea in India. “Gradually, in the matter of production of urea and other fertilizers, the Prime Minister’s dream of 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat' will be fulfilled”, he added.

Highlighting the importance of these MoUs Shri Mandaviya said, “The biggest challenge for any game changer technology is adoption on a larger scale by common masses. Nano urea is facing the same challenge. Nano urea is a revolutionary product, but the faster the common farmers of the country adopt it, the sooner we will see its positive effect and the sooner we will be able to move towards 'complete Aatmanirbharta' in the agriculture sector.

Shri Mandaviya commended the work done by IFFCO in service of the nation by making Nano Urea. He said, “I am informed that IFFCO started production of Nano Urea in June and in less than two months till 25th July, IFFCO has completed the production of 8.28 lakh Nano Urea bottles and supplying it to the farmers. But for an agrarian country like India, it is necessary that the production of nano urea should increase further. Other government companies working in the field of fertilizer should also be involved in this work. Today it is a matter of pleasure for me that today MoU was signed by IFFCO with NFL and RCF for Technology Transfer of Nano Urea. In the interest of the country, this technology transfer is being done by IFFCO without any royalty. IFFCO should be commended for this. These MoUs will increase the production of urea in the coming days. All three organizations will be involved in its promotion. This will help in increasing the popularity of Nano Urea among the farmers in a short span of time and will enable farmers to adopt this new product faster.”

20-Jul-2021: Government making efforts to enhance the production of nano urea

Government is encouraging the production of Nano fertilizers in the country. The Department of Agriculture, Co-operation and Farmers Welfare vide notification No. S.O.884 (E) dated 24th February 2021 had notified for inclusion of any Nano fertilizer in Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) which will necessarily comply with the guidelines stipulated in the notification. Further, in pursuance of Clause 20D of Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare vide notification no S.O.885 (E) dated 24th February 2021 had notified the specification in respect of “ Nano urea (liquid) fertilizer” to be manufactured by M/s Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO) in India for a period of three years.

IFFCO has developed nanotechnology based Nano Urea (Liquid) fertilizer that aims to address the imbalanced and excessive use of conventional Urea. It further aims to improve crop productively, soil health and nutritional quality of the produce.