The Ministry of Agriculture has granted approval to IFFCO and Coromandel International to produce nano-DAP fertilizer for a period of three years, starting from the 2023 kharif season. This next-generation fertilizer contains nanoparticles of Nitrogen and Phosphorus, with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nanometres.

What is Nano-DAP?

DAP is a commonly used phosphate-based fertilizer made by reacting Ammonia with Phosphoric acid, which contains Nitrogen and Phosphorus. Nano-DAP is a new type of fertilizer that uses nanoparticles to deliver these nutrients. It has been designed to be more efficient, reduce costs, and be more sustainable for agriculture.

Advantages of Using Nano-DAP

There are several advantages to using nano-DAP:

  1. Reduced Fertilizer Subsidy Burden and Import Dependence – Due to its higher use-efficiency, nano-DAP can help reduce the subsidy burden on the government for fertilizers. This also means that there will be less dependence on importing fertilizers.
  2. Lower Input Costs – Nano-DAP can help reduce input costs for agriculture, which can benefit farmers and help double their income.
  3. Improved Agriculture Sustainability – Using nano-DAP can improve agriculture sustainability by increasing nutrient uptake, reducing water consumption, and lowering environmental losses.

Nano-DAP can also be used in conjunction with other nano-fertilizers like nano-urea, nano-potash, nano-zinc, and nano-copper, which can further enhance the benefits for agriculture.

Concerns of Using Nano-DAP

While there are benefits to using nano-DAP, there are also some concerns:

  1. Increased Nanoparticles in Soil and Crops – Continued use of nano-DAP can increase nanoparticles in soil and crops, which can have unknown effects on the environment and human health.
  2. Health Hazards – Nano-sized particles can pose health hazards when they are present at higher concentrations. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the use of nano-DAP is safe for farmers and consumers.

MCQs on DAP Advantages and Concerns of Government Approval for Its Launch in India.

  1. What is DAP?
    A. A phosphate-based fertilizer made from Ammonia and Phosphoric acid
    B. A next-generation fertilizer with nanoparticles of Nitrogen and Phosphorus
    C. A type of pesticide used to protect crops from insects
    D. A type of irrigation system used in agriculture
    Correct Answer: A. A phosphate-based fertilizer made from Ammonia and Phosphoric acid
    Explanation: DAP is a phosphate-based fertilizer made from Ammonia and Phosphoric acid, as stated in the essay.
  2. What is nano-DAP?
    A. A next-generation fertilizer with nanoparticles of Nitrogen and Phosphorus
    B. A commonly used fertilizer made from Ammonia and Phosphoric acid
    C. A type of pesticide used to protect crops from insects
    D. A type of irrigation system used in agriculture
    Correct Answer: A. A next-generation fertilizer with nanoparticles of Nitrogen and Phosphorus
    Explanation: Nano-DAP is a next-generation fertilizer with nanoparticles of Nitrogen and Phosphorus, as stated in the essay.
  3. What are the advantages of using nano-DAP in agriculture?
    A. Reduced fertilizer subsidy burden and import dependence
    B. Lower input costs for farmers
    C. Improved agriculture sustainability
    D. All of the above
    Correct Answer: D. All of the above
    Explanation: According to the essay, using nano-DAP can reduce subsidy burden, reduce import dependence, lower input costs, and improve sustainability in agriculture.
  4. What are the concerns associated with the use of nano-DAP?
    A. Increased nanoparticles in soil and crops from continued use
    B. Health hazards from nano-size particles at higher concentrations
    C. Reduced crop yield due to excess use
    D. Higher fertilizer costs
    Correct Answer: A. Increased nanoparticles in soil and crops from continued use, and B. Health hazards from nano-size particles at higher concentrations.
    Explanation: As explained in the essay, concerns associated with the use of nano-DAP include increased nanoparticles in soil and crops from continued use, and health hazards from nano-size particles at higher concentrations.

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