Nano DAP

• Context (IE | TH): Interim budget announced the expansion of the application of Nano DAP on various crops in all agro-climatic zones.

DAP (di-ammonium phosphate)

• DAP is the second most used fertiliser in India after urea.
• Water soluble, containing 18% Nitrogen and 46% Phosphorus, applied before or at sowing time.
• Manufactured by reaction of Ammonia with Phosphoric acid.
• Nitrogen is a major component of chlorophyll, essential for photosynthesis.
• Phosphorus helps in root establishment and development.

Nano DAP

• Liquid fertiliser with 8% Nitrogen and 16% Phosphorus by volume launched by IFFCO.
• It has the advantage of a high surface area, as its particle size is less than 100 Nanometres (nm).
• Nano size enables the fertiliser “to enter easily inside the seed surface or through stomata and other plant openings,” making it more efficient.

Advantages

• Intended crop Benefits: Higher seed vigour, more chlorophyll, photosynthetic efficiency, better quality and increase in crop yields.
• Sustained release: With 50-75% delayed release, Nano DAP will help throughout the plant cycle.
• Water solubility: It helps in targeted delivery and reduces leaching.
• Subsidy relief: Less costly Nano DAP will help the government reduce fertiliser subsidies.
• Easy to use: 500ml bottle is easier to transport, store and use than 50kg bags.
• Self-reliance: Domestic Nano DAP is expected to ease the import burden of conventional DAP.

Subsidy trends Allocation for the Fertilizer subsidies has decreased to ₹1,64,150.81 crore (2023-24). The total food subsidy has increased to ₹2,05,250 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) and ₹1 lakh crore for the Sugar Subsidy payable under the Public Distribution System from the last budget.

For details on Nano Urea, visit >Nano-Urea