Nano-DAP included in Fertilizer Control Order paving way for early release

• The Government recently approved the launch of nano liquid DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) fertilizer in India and has been notified in the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO).

Nano liquid DAP fertilizer

• It is a concentrated phosphate-based fertilizer.
• It provides phosphorous nutrition throughout the crop growth and development cycle.
• Nano-DAP is jointly manufactured by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) in association with a private player Coromandel.
• Nano-DAP will be sold at Rs 600 per bottle of 500 ml. One bottle will be equivalent to one bag of DAP, which currently costs Rs 1,350.

Expected benefits

• DAP is the second most consumed fertilizer in the country after urea.
• Out of the estimated annual consumption of around 10-12.5 million tonnes, local production is around 4-5 million tonnes, while the rest has to be imported.
• Nano-DAP will help to bring down India’s fertilizer import bill.
• It is also expected to contribute to bringing down the annual subsidy on non-urea fertilizers.

What is Fertilizer Control Order(FCO)?

• It has been issued under the Essential Commodities Act 1955.
• It is administered by Department of Agriculture Cooperation, Govt. of India.
• The FCO lays down,
• What substances qualify for use as fertilizers in the soil;
• Product-wise specifications;
• Methods for sampling and analysis of fertilizers;
• The procedure for obtaining a license/registration as a manufacturer/dealer in fertilizers;
• Conditions to be fulfilled for trading thereof;