To promote cost-effective and sustainable agriculture, the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mr. U.P. Bagri, has advised farmers in the district to shift from traditional DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) fertilizers to NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash) and nano-based fertilizers. He stated that while DAP provides only two essential nutrients—nitrogen and phosphorus—NPK offers an additional vital nutrient, potash, which is crucial for plant growth.
Mr. Bagri emphasized that using NPK eliminates the need for separate application of potash, thereby reducing overall fertilizer costs. Moreover, NPK helps in maintaining soil fertility and contributes to improved crop yields.
He also recommended the use of Single Super Phosphate (SSP) along with NPK instead of DAP. SSP not only supplies phosphorus but also provides sulfur, which is beneficial for crop health. SSP is best applied during land preparation for more effective absorption by crops.
DAP Fails to Fully Meet Phosphorus Requirements: Highlighting the limitations of DAP, he explained that only 15% of the 18% nitrogen and 39% of the 46% phosphorus in DAP is water-soluble and available to plants. The rest gets fixed in the soil, making it hard and reducing its water retention capacity.
Fertilizer Recommendations for Specific Crops: For the upcoming season, NPK has been recommended for hybrid varieties of paddy and maize. For pulses and oilseeds, the advised ratio is 80:40:30 of NPK and sulfur to ensure balanced nutrient supply.
Nano Fertilizers: Modern and Efficient Option:
These nano fertilizers are applied via foliar spray, allowing quicker and more direct nutrient absorption by plants, thereby enhancing crop productivity and soil health.
Economical and Effective:
These nano products are priced at nearly half the cost of conventional fertilizer bags, yet deliver better results. Hence, farmers are urged to embrace nano fertilizers as a smarter, cost-effective alternative.
