🗞️ Current AffairsUPSC 2016India and its Neighbourhood

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

aRelease of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms
bNeem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil
cNitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields
dIt is a combination of a weedicide and a fertiliser for particular crops
✓ Correct answer: b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil
ExplanationIntroduced by the Government of India in 2015, the Neem-coated Urea policy aims to improve nitrogen use ef- ficiency and curb the diversion of urea for non-agricultural purposes.The neem coating slows the dissolution rate of urea in the soil, ensuring a gradual release of nitrogen that minimiz- es nutrient loss and boosts crop productivity.Additionally, it helps prevent soil degradation caused by overuse of urea and discourages illegal diversion for industrial applications, as neem-coated urea is unsuitable for non-agricultural uses.171

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