Nanotechnology is the frontier area of R&D and its application in agriculture will help to double the farmers’ income

The ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT), Mumbai and Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the “Development of Nano-formulations for fertilizer Applications”.

Chhabilendra Roul, I.A.S., Secretary (Fertilizers), Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India said that the collaboration between the two elite Institutions will lead to increase in the crop yield using the less quantity of fertilizers. This initiative will revolutionize the agricultural scenario. He stated that the Nanotechnology is the frontier area of R&D and its application in agriculture will help to double the farmers’ income.

Dr. P.G. Patil, Director, ICAR-CIRCOT and U.V. Dhatrak, CMD, RCF signed the MoU on the behalf of their respective organizations.

Dr. P.G. Patil highlighted the benefits of using nano-zinc oxide in the fertilizer formulation. He emphasized that this technology will be transferred to the RCF for commercialization. He highlighted about the different nanotechnology R&D activities that are being carried out. Dr. Patil also outlined the establishment of nation’s first nano-cellulose pilot plant at ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai.

U.V. Dhatrak stated about the benefits both the organizations will get from such collaboration. He mentioned that the new fertilizer formulations will be brought in the market for improving the crop yield.