Lucknow: The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), a leading cooperative society and one of India’s largest manufacturers of chemical fertilisers, is spearheading the next generation of agricultural inputs by investing Rs 638 crore in nano fertiliser production plants in Uttar Pradesh. The investment is poised to bring significant economic benefits to the local economy, as the new units are not only going to generate more than 600 jobs, but will also provide improved infrastructure facilities around these manufacturing units.
With the support and handholding of Invest UP, the investment promotion agency of the Uttar Pradesh Government, IFFCO is expanding its production capabilities and side by side implementing innovative agricultural practices in 201 cluster villages. This strategic initiative aims to promote the use of nano fertilisers, particularly Nano Urea Plus (Liquid), amongst farmers so that they increase their crop productivity and sustainability in the current Kharif and forthcoming Rabi seasons.
Under the initiative, IFFCO has already started commercial operations in both the manufacturing unitsi.e.one in Aonla (Bareilly) and other in Phulpur (Prayagraj). While the unit in Bareilly has come up with an investment of Rs 318 crore, the Phulpur unit has come up with an investment of Rs 320 crore. Together both the units create a daily production capacity of 400,000 bottles of Nano Urea Plus (Liquid).
“Uttar Pradesh holds great potential for our investment due to its farmer focus, productive land and variety of crops. IFFCO’s quality products enjoy customer loyalty and are always in high demand. Our export plans are currently on a trial basis, with products being sent to more than 34 countries like Sri Lanka, Brazil, and USA” remarked Dr. U.S. Awasthi, MD, IFFCO.
Commending Invest UP for the ease with which the project got all clearances and approvals, he further added, “Invest UP has been instrumental in creating a robust and supportive environment for industrial growth. Its forward-thinking policiesand proactive facilitation have significantly contributed to attracting investments and fostering a thriving business ecosystem in the state,” adding that the incentives offered underthe Uttar Pradesh Investment & Employment Promotion Policy-2022 have provided a boost to IFFCO’s investment plans in the state.
Dr. Awasthi further explained that IFFCO’s decision to expand its nano fertiliser production facilities in Uttar Pradeshis driven by the large agricultural base in the state, along with the newly developed superhighways, inland waterways and improved roads, which have significantly enhanced non-rail transportation of goods.
It is noteworthy that IFFCO plays a pivotal role in the agricultural sector by providing quality fertilisers and essential services to farmers. With major facilities in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha, IFFCO has recently introduced Nano Urea Plus (Liquid) and Nano DAP (diammonium phosphate liquid) to support agricultural sustainability. Additionally, IFFCO has also launched Nano Zinc and Nano Copper to further promote sustainable agriculture.
Explaining the concept of nanofertiliser like Nano Urea Plus (liquid),Dr. Awasthi said that these are used to provide sufficientnitrogen (20 % N w/v) to plants and is a sustainable option for farmers, helping them achieve better crop yields. “While traditional urea, sold as granules or in pill form, leads to environmental pollution when used excessively, Nano Urea is applied as a foliar spray, facilitating efficient absorption and penetration of nitrogen into the leaves and reaching specific plant parts. Nano urea also boasts of much higher nutrient use efficiency compared to conventional urea, providing the same nutritional benefits to crops with significantly smaller quantities, thereby reducing overall urea consumption,” he said.
The efficient nutrient delivery system of Nano Urea Plus (liquid) is already resulting in higher crop yields and improved produce quality in Uttar Pradesh, which is essential for meeting the food demands of its large population. IFFCO is offering various schemes and services on the purchase of its nanofertilisers such as ‘Sankat Haran Bima Yojana’ to the tune of Rs 2.0 lakhs for the farmers, availing Drone spraying facilities etc. With its extensive agricultural landscape, Uttar Pradesh stands to benefit immensely from the adoption of Nano Urea Plus (liquid), as it boosts crop yields, improves soil health, and reduces the need for traditional fertilisers, supporting long-term agricultural sustainability.With improved efficiency, environmental benefits, and economic growth, these ventures by IFFCO are set to uplift the local economy and pave the way for sustainable farming practices in the region.
The move has been lauded by Manish Agarwal, a close watcher of government policy. He is currently the Vice President Laghu Udyog Bharati.
