Context: In a major push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), chemicals major Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GSFC) on Thursday started selling locally made calcium nitrate — a 100-per cent imported water-soluble fertilizer.
Key Points

• For the first time in India, Calcium Nitrate and boronated Calcium Nitrate is being manufactured locally.
• Earlier, India used to import it from other countries.
• These two products were launched in the retail market from Solan, Himachal Pradesh and Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
• These launches are the decisive step towards “AatmaNirbhar Bharat and AatmaNirbhar Krishi”
• Indigenous variety of calcium nitrate and boronated calcium nitrate will provide a quality product at a cheaper rate to the farmer community.

Calcium Nitrate

• Calcium nitrate is also called as Norgessalpeter. It is an inorganic compound having chemical formula Ca(NO3)2. 
• It is a colorless salt that absorbs moisture from the air. Calcium nitrate is  a water-soluble fertilizer. 
• Though, it is mainly used as a component in fertilizers but has other applications such as in agriculture, wastewater treatment and to increase the strength of cement concrete. 
• Its tetrahydrate is sometimes used in regenerable cold packs.

Boronated Calcium Nitrate

• Boronated Calcium Nitrate means Calcium Nitrate with Boron. Both the nutrients are important for fruits and vegetables. 
• The compound is important for the growth, physical strength, fruit set and flowering fertilization of the plants. These are highly water soluble and are ideal for both soil and foliar applications. It improves the overall soil health.