Question

UPSC Prelims 2016 Question:

Why does the Government of India promote the use of ‘Neem-coated Urea’ in agriculture?

1. Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms
2. Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil
3. Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields
4. It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2: Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

Urea is a white crystalline substance which is highly water soluble with 46% nitrogen content. It is used extensively as chemical fertilizer as well as for industrial uses.

Neem has proven Nitrification inhibition properties and hence slows down the release of nitrogen from urea. This neem coated Urea makes available nitrogen over a longer period with minimum loss of nitrogen. Thus increasing nitrogen use efficiency for crops. .
In the case of India, instead of chemical inhibitors, use of organic neem as coating of urea was more beneficial. Hence, Government of India mandated all producers to coat urea with Neem Seed oil and fortify Urea.

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Relevance: In 2015-16, 100 percent neem-coated urea was introduced to reduce the use of conventional chemicals in traditional Urea.

Subject: Economics | Agriculture and Food Management

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