UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2016

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

Correct Answer

Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil

Explanation

Neem coating slows the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil, improving nitrogen use efficiency and reducing diversion of urea for non-agricultural/industrial use.

Topics: agriculture, fertilizer policy, indian economy, neem coated urea