Food & Climate
Amidst the worsening crisis caused by the ongoing Iran conflict, India has taken a significant step to increase its reliance on nano fertilisers, which offer the potential to reduce consumption by approximately 30%.
In a significant policy move aimed at accelerating the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies, the Government of India has brought nano fertilisers under the formal regulatory framework of the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) Control Order (FCO), 1985. Through Gazette Notification S.O. 1334(E) dated March 13, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has notified 14 nano fertiliser products, allowing their manufacture and sale for a period of two years from the date of publication.
The global fertilizer crisis is exacerbated by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has resulted in a one-third reduction in global agricultural nutrient production. This production is primarily exported by Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, in addition to Iran itself.
The fertiliser availability situation is further worsened by the disruption to imports of natural gas and minerals, essential ingredients in fertiliser production, which hinders domestic production.
A structured entry for nano fertilisers into India
The notification marks a structured entry of nano fertilisers into India’s fertiliser ecosystem, covering a wide spectrum of nutrient formulations, according to (Global agriculture).
These include nano urea in multiple concentrations, nano DAP variants, nano NPK combinations in both liquid and granular forms, as well as nano zinc and nano phosphorus.
By defining clear specifications for each product, the government has established a scientific and regulatory baseline for nano fertiliser development and commercialization in the country.
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A key technical requirement outlined in the notification is the nano-scale validation of these products. According to the specifications, at least 50% of the particles must be below 100 nanometers, as determined through established analytical techniques such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). This ensures that only genuine nano formulations, with the expected efficiency advantages, are brought into the market.
The list of approved manufacturers reflects a mix of established fertiliser companies and emerging technology-driven enterprises.
Leading players such as Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO), Coromandel International Limited, and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers (RCF) feature alongside newer entrants including Nano Fertilizer Private Limited, Ray Nano Sciences and Research Centre, Proto9 Materials Private Limited, and SKR Agro Tech Limited.
Alongside product approvals, the government has introduced clear compliance conditions to ensure responsible deployment at the farm level. Manufacturers are required to avoid forced bundling of nano fertilisers with other agricultural inputs, thereby safeguarding farmer choice. The notification also mandates that product labels or accompanying literature clearly mention crop-wise dosage, stage of application, and method of use, ensuring that farmers have access to accurate and actionable information.
What are nano fertilizers?
Companies are expected to conduct demonstrations at Krishi Vigyan Kendras to showcase the benefits and proper usage of nano fertilisers. This emphasis on field-level engagement highlights the government’s focus on bridging the gap between technological innovation and practical adoption.
The inclusion of nano fertilisers under the FCO framework is expected to have important implications for Indian agriculture.
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Nano formulations are designed to improve nutrient use efficiency by enabling targeted delivery and better absorption by plants. This can potentially reduce the overall quantity of fertilisers required, lowering input costs for farmers while maintaining or enhancing crop productivity.
At the same time, improved efficiency can lead to reduced nutrient losses through leaching, volatilization, and runoff, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. The move aligns with broader national priorities of promoting resource-efficient and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
These fertilizers are designed to release nutrients in a controlled manner, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving crop yields and quality. The global nano fertiliser market was valued at $3.2 billion in 2024.
Research firm Global Market Insights projected that the market would achieve a compound annual growth rate of 14.6% from 2025 to 2034.
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