COIMBATORE: The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) is conducting field trials to study the feasibility of using drones to apply nano urea liquid on crops at their agricultural research station in Bhavanisagar area.
If drones could be used to apply the fertilizer on several acres, it would be helpful for farmers.
Last year, the Indian Farmer Fertilizer Cooperative (Iffco) had developed nano urea liquid that could be sprayed on the foliage.
Unlike the commercial urea, which comes in 50kg bags with 46% nitrogen, of which plants absorb only 30%-35%, nano urea liquid comes in 500ml bottle and does not affect the soil’s composition much, said K S Subramanian, director of research and founder head of nanotechnology department, TNAU.
Iffco claims that the 500ml bottle could be mixed in 200 litres of water, which would suffice for one acre.
The cost of nano urea is yet to be fixed for commercial use in the country, TNAU officials said when asked for a cost comparison.
TNAU is studying the effectiveness of using drones by assessing the quantum of increase in yield and health of paddy and maize plants to check how well the nitrogen is absorbed by the leaves “We need to check whether 500ml is actually adequate for one acre, whether the drone can successfully lift and fly around effectively with that load, whether wind will affect the spraying and whether nitrogen is effective for the plant when sprayed from above at this quantum,” Subramanian said.
Given the labour shortage, this could be revolutionary for farmers who grow millets, pulses and groundnuts, etc., he said.
“Using nanotechnology, we have reduced nitrogen usage and wastage of fertilizers.” Last year, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research had helped conduct field trials of nano urea liquid, which was manually applied in 11,000 locations across the country through Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
It was not only easy to use, but also the yield increased by 7% to 8% in comparison to the conventional practice.
There weren’t any associated environmental concerns as well.
TNAU, which had helped the Union government’s department of biotechnology develop guidelines for the use of nano products in agriculture and food products, has scientifically validated the biosafety of nano urea.
Subsequently, the agriculture ministry had notified the product this February.
TNAU and Iffco are trying to create more awareness on nano urea liquid through virtual programmes.