India Brings Nano Fertilisers into Regulatory Fold, Notifies 14 Nano Products Under FCO
20 March 2026, New Delhi: 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.
A Structured Entry for Nano Fertilisers in India
The notification marks a structured entry of nano fertilisers into India’s fertiliser ecosystem, covering a wide spectrum of nutrient formulations. 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.
A key technical requirement outlined in the notification is the nano-scale validation of these products. According to the specifications, at least 50 percent 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.
Industry Participation Reflects Growing Momentum
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. This diverse participation indicates increasing industry confidence in nano fertilisers as a viable and scalable solution for crop nutrition.
Notified Nano Fertilisers under FCO (S.O. 1334(E), March 2026)
| S. No. | Product Name | Composition | Form | Approved Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nano DAP | 8-18-0 | Liquid | Coromandel International Limited (CIL) |
| 2 | Nano Urea | 16% N | Liquid | Ray Nano Sciences and Research Centre |
| 3 | Nano Urea | 27% N | Liquid | Nano Fertilizer Private Limited (NFPL) |
| 4 | Nano DAP | 8-18-0 | Liquid | Nano Fertilizer Private Limited (NFPL) |
| 5 | Nano Urea | 16% N | Liquid | Combe Projects Private Limited (CPP) |
| 6 | Nano Zinc | 0.5% Zn | Liquid | Proto9 Materials Private Limited |
| 7 | Nano Phosphorus | 3% P₂O₅ (+ S 0.2%, Ca 0.4%) | Liquid | Proto9 Materials Private Limited |
| 8 | Nano NPK | 6:7:5 | Liquid | Proto9 Materials Private Limited |
| 9 | Nano NPK | 20:10:10 | Granular | Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) |
| 10 | Nano NPK | 8:8:10 | Liquid | Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) |
| 11 | Nano NP | 9:9:0 | Liquid | Ray Nano Sciences and Research Centre |
| 12 | Nano DAP | 6.5:17:0 | Liquid | Ray Nano Sciences and Research Centre |
| 13 | Nano Urea | 5% N | Liquid | SKR Agro Tech Limited |
| 14 | Nano DAP | 4.6:8.2:0 | Liquid | Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers (RCF) |
Regulatory Safeguards to Ensure Responsible Use
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.
In addition, 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.
Implications for Productivity and Sustainability
The inclusion of nano fertilisers under the FCO framework is expected to have important implications for Indian agriculture. 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.
A Transitional Phase for Evaluation and Scale-Up
The two-year approval period provided under the notification indicates a calibrated and adaptive policy approach. This timeframe allows for real-world evaluation of product performance across different agro-climatic regions, assessment of farmer acceptance, and generation of field-level data to support future regulatory decisions.
Such a phased introduction is likely to play a critical role in building confidence among stakeholders while enabling policymakers to refine standards and guidelines based on practical outcomes.
To download the original notification, click here.
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