Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd. (IFFCO) reported an eight percent growth in profit before tax (PBT) for the financial year 2025–26, while highlighting a significant shift underway in India’s fertiliser sector. According to the cooperative, nano fertilisers such as Nano Urea Plus and Nano DAP could replace around 10% of India’s conventional urea and DAP consumption within the next three to four years. The transition reflects the growing focus on sustainable agriculture, improved nutrient efficiency, and reduced import dependence in India’s fertiliser strategy.
Nano Fertiliser Adoption Still Gradual
Although farmers have begun using nano fertilisers, their adoption remains relatively slow. One of the key reasons, according to experts, is initial communication gaps about their usage and benefits. When nano fertilisers were first introduced, promotional campaigns suggested that one 500 ml bottle could replace a full 45 kg bag of urea. However, experts now believe that such messaging created confusion among farmers and raised concerns about potential yield losses. Agriculture scientist S.K. Singh emphasised that farmers need clearer guidance on the correct usage ratio.
“For example, if a farmer typically applies four bags of conventional granular urea, he can instead use three bags along with one bottle of nano urea. This approach reduces chemical fertiliser use while ensuring there is no risk to crop yield,” Singh explained. Experts therefore recommend revised awareness campaigns and farmer training programmes to improve adoption rates.
Multiple Companies Enter Nano Fertiliser Market
While IFFCO has emerged as a pioneer in nano fertiliser technology, several other companies have also entered the segment. Major fertiliser manufacturers such as Coromandel International and Zuari Agro Chemicals are now producing nano liquid fertilisers, indicating increasing industry interest in this emerging technology. The growing participation of multiple players is expected to expand production capacity, accelerate innovation, and improve farmer access to nano nutrient products.
IFFCO Reports Strong Financial Performance
Alongside its technological initiatives, IFFCO has reported strong financial results for FY26. In a social media statement, IFFCO Managing Director Dr. K.J. Patel announced that the cooperative’s profit before tax for FY 2025–26 is expected to exceed its previous record of ₹4,106 crore achieved in FY 2022–23. For comparison, IFFCO reported PBT of ₹3,811 crore in FY25, reflecting steady growth in its financial performance.
Focus on Innovation and Self-Reliance
IFFCO continues to position itself at the forefront of agricultural innovation through nano fertilisers, bio-stimulants, and advanced agri-technologies. According to Patel, these innovations align with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision, as they help reduce dependence on fertiliser imports while improving crop productivity and soil health.
The cooperative also launched DharaAmrut, a bio-stimulant designed to enhance plant growth and soil vitality. DharaAmrut contains a combination of amino acids, alginic acid, humic substances, essential minerals, and banana sap, creating a nutrient-rich formulation aimed at strengthening sustainable agriculture. Patel noted that the product has received encouraging feedback from farmers, highlighting its potential in improving crop performance.
Adequate Fertiliser Stocks for Kharif Season
Despite global uncertainties, including the ongoing Iran conflict affecting energy and fertiliser supply chains, IFFCO has assured farmers of adequate availability of fertilisers for the upcoming Kharif 2026 season. Patel urged farmers to gradually adopt nano fertilisers alongside conventional nutrients. “With adequate stocks prepared for the Kharif 2026 season, we encourage farmers to adopt nano fertilisers. At the same time, we are actively training farmers and educating them on their effective usage,” he said. Through such initiatives, IFFCO aims to ensure that farmers can use nano products efficiently without compromising crop productivity.
Urea Production Remains Stable
In contrast, urea production remained largely stable, registering a marginal increase. IFFCO produced 48.28 lakh tonnes of urea in FY26, slightly higher than 48.17 lakh tonnes in FY25. However, production faced temporary disruptions in March 2026, when the company had to shut down two of its five plants for scheduled maintenance.
Strong Fertiliser Dispatch and Sales
IFFCO also maintained strong distribution performance during the financial year. The cooperative dispatched 119.68 lakh tonnes of fertilisers in FY26, while total fertiliser sales reached 118.75 lakh tonnes, compared with 113.78 lakh tonnes in the previous year. The growth reflects steady demand for fertilisers across India’s agricultural sector, particularly as farmers prepare for the upcoming cropping seasons.
Future Outlook for Nano Fertilisers
Nano fertilisers are expected to play an increasingly important role in India’s agricultural ecosystem. By improving nutrient efficiency, reducing fertiliser usage, and supporting sustainable farming, these products could gradually transform fertiliser consumption patterns. However, experts emphasise that farmer education, accurate communication, and field demonstrations will be crucial to accelerating adoption. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, if awareness efforts succeed, India could achieve the target of replacing around 10% of conventional fertilisers with nano nutrients within the next three to four years, marking a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural innovation journey.
