Proceedings of Stakeholders’
Consultation Meet on “Nano Fertilizers for Next Generation Agriculture” held at
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture and Technoogy of Kashmir (SKUAST-K),
Srinagar on July 24, 2024
Sher e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences &
Technology of Kashmir in collaboration with ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research
Institute (CSSRI), Karnal, and ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application
Research Institute (ATARI), Ludhiana, successfully organized a Stakeholders’
Consultation Meet on “Nano Fertilizers for Next Generation Agriculture"
on July 24, 2024. The event was sponsored by IFFCO, Jammu and Kashmir, and
witnessed active participation of more than 120 participants including the Programme
Coordinators and Subject Matter Specialists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra of Kashmir,
representatives of State Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, progressive
farmers, and entrepreneurs.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Dil
Mohammed Makdoomi, Director Extension Education, SKUAST-Kashmir. Prof. Makdoomi
highlighted the significance of organizing such events for the larger benefit
of the farming community and emphasized the critical role of stakeholders in
this initiative. He stressed that
Nano-fertilizers (nitrogen and phosphorous) are capable of controlling the rates
at which fertilizers are released into the soil, allowing farmers to use lesser
fertilizer, while, maintaining the same crop output. He further gave an
awareness about the risks and benefits of Nano-Fertilizer, and informed house
that such programmes shall be undertaken by university in interest of farmers
in future also.
Technical Session
Chairman of the session: Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director ICAR-ATARI, Zone-1, Ludhiana
Co-Chairman: Prof. Dil Mohammed Makdoomi, Director Extension,
SKUAST-Kashmir
Rapporteurs: Dr
Bilal Ahmad Lone; Dr Ishtiyaq A Khan and Dr Jahingir Ahmad Baba
Research Insights on Nano Fertilizers
Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Senior Scientist at ICAR-Central Soil
Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), shared insights from their research trials
on Nano-fertilizers conducted over the past four years. He presented
preliminary findings that indicated a significant increase in fertilizer use
efficiency with the use of Nano fertilizers, alongside a substantial reduction
in wastage typically associated with granular urea. Furthermore, he emphasized
that additional research trials are required to ensure the efficacy of Nano
fertilizers on different types of crops with varied leaf geometry.
Services and Benefits of Nano
Fertilizers
Dr. Tarunendu Singh, IFFCO (Agriculture Services), delivered a detailed presentation
highlighting the extensive services IFFCO has provided to the farming community.
He underscored the importance of fertilizer security for food security and not
only emphasized the profitability and sustainability benefits of using Nano fertilizers,
however, also demonstrated the rising demand of Nano fertilizers across the
globe. He said that Nano Urea is a
sustainable option for farmers towards smart agriculture to combat climate
change.
Adaptability and Practice Development
Mr. M Iqbal Chaudary, Director Agriculture, Kashmir, praised
the adaptability of nano-fertilizers by farmers for reaping maximum benefits without jeopardizing the
environment including soil, plant, animal, water and human health. He urged
that the university and other research institutions to develop a comprehensive
package of practices for their use.
Dr. M.K. Verma, Director
ICAR-CITH Srinagar in his address said that Nano fertilizers are synthesized or
modified form of traditional fertilizers, fertilizers bulk materials or
extracted from different vegetative or reproductive parts of the plant by different
chemical, physical, mechanical or biological methods with the help of
nanotechnology used to improve soil fertility.
Participatory Research and Stakeholder
Responsibility
Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director ICAR-ATARI, Zone-1, Ludhiana,
apprised the farmers and
stakeholders about mechanism of action, relative advantages and cost benefit
analysis of Nano-technologies. He said that Nano-fertilizers
could increase nutrient uptake efficiency in plants grown in urban
environments, leading to higher crop yields and increased availability of fresh
produce besides, reduces environmental hazards and preserve ecological base for
future generation. Due to this, urban farming and food production could see an
influx of newer opportunities. He emphasized the responsibility of every
stakeholder for the effective and efficient use of nano fertilizers. He
highlighted the importance of participatory research trials conducted by
various stakeholders, especially KVKs, to achieve a balance between productivity,
profitability and sustainability. He
also appreciated the role of IFFCO J&K in sponsoring awareness programme on
Nano-Fertilizers.
Feedback from Progressive Farmers
The event included an interactive open house discussion on the use of Nano fertilizers;
Potential, constraints and way forward by all concerned was held with all the
stakeholders and farmers during the programme. Progressive farmers
shared their experiences and feedback on the use of nano fertilizers:
Mr. Mohd Yousuf Zargar, from Shopian shared that the
application of nano fertilizers on his apple orchard had resulted in a notable
improvement in fruit quality and yield and advocated the cessation of the use
of granular Urea. Mr. Mohd Sultan Bhat, from Tailbal, highlighted the
importance of Education, Awareness and adoption of nano fertilizers.
Drone Demonstration using nano-fertilizers
Later on, a dronedemonstrations by KVK Kulgam / Ganderbal
and IFFCO, showcasing the application of nano-Fertilizers through advanced technology.
This demonstration highlighted the potential of integrating modern technology
with sustainable agricultural practices to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Key Recommendations:
1.
Research & Development:
More research trials including participatory trials to be conducted to develop
SOPs on nano-fertilizer and their Impact.
2.
Policy Development:
Establish clear regulatory guidelines for the use of nano fertilizers.
3.
Farmer Education: Awareness
and Training Programmes to educate farmers on the potential benefits and proper
use of nano-fertilizers.
4.
Collaboration: Foster
partnerships between research Institutions, Industries, Government bodies, to
accelerate innovation and adoption.
