Srinagar, July 24: ICAR-ATARI, Ludhiana, in collaboration with SKUAST-Kashmir and ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal organized a Stakeholders’ Consultation Meet on “Nano-Fertilisers for Next Generation Agriculture” at Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-K on Wednesday.
Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director ICAR-ATARI, Zone-I Ludhiana, was the Chief Guest on the occasion and Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension/Education, SKUAST-K as Guest of Honour.
Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director ATARI, Zone-I Ludhiana apprised the farmers and stakeholders about mechanism of action, relative advantages and cost benefit analysis of Nano-technologies. He said that Nano-fertilizers could increase nutrient uptake efficiency in plants grown in urban environments, leading to higher crop yields and increased availability of fresh produce besides, reduces environmental hazards and preserve ecological base for future generation. Due to this, urban farming and food production could see an influx of newer opportunities. Further, he appreciated the role of IFFCO J&K in sponsoring awareness programme on Nano-Fertilizers.
Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension/Education stressed that Nano-fertilizers contain NPs (Nitrogen and Phosphorous) capable of controlling the rate at which fertilizers are released into the soil, allowing farmers to use lesser fertilizer, while maintaining the same crop output. He further gave an awareness about the risks and benefits of Nano-Fertilizer, and informed farmers that such programmes shall be undertaken by university in interest of farmers in future also.
Dr. Tarunendu Singh, Sr. Manager, IFFCO (Agriculture Services) through his power point presentation briefed about the use of Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) Nano-urea. He said that IFFCO Nano Urea is a nanotechnology based revolutionary Agri-input which provides nitrogen to plants. Nano Urea is a sustainable option for farmers towards smart agriculture and combat climate change.
An open house discussion on use of Nano fertilizers; Potential, constraints and way forward by all concerned was held with all the stakeholders and farmers during the programme, and the participants were given to exposure of stalls at Directorate.
Mohammad Iqbal Chaudhary, Director Agriculture, Kashmir briefed about the importance of adoption of newer technologies like Nano-Fertilizers by the farmers for reaping maximum benefits without jeopardizing the environment including soil, plant, animal, water and human health.
Dr. M.K. Verma, Director ICAR-CITH Srinagar in his address said that Nano fertilizers are synthesized or modified form of traditional fertilizers, fertilizers bulk materials or extracted from different vegetative or reproductive parts of the plant by different chemical, physical, mechanical or biological methods with the help of nanotechnology used to improve soil fertility.
Dr. Ashwani Kumar, ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal, Sukhpal Singh Sidhu, State Head Marketing Manager IFFCO J&K, Shauqut A Bhat, FO, IFFCO Srinagar, Heads of Krishi Vigyan Kendras along with their Scientific and Non-Teaching staff of Directorate of Extension; and the farmers attended the awareness programme.
A drone demonstration in orchards/ lawns of SKUAST-K was held in university campus. The programme was ended with a vote of thanks.
