UPSC Prelims 2016 Q24: Indian Economy – Agriculture & Rural Development
Why does the Government of India promote the use of ‘Neem - coated Urea’ in agriculture?
- (a) Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms
- (b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil
- (c) Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields
- (d) It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops
Answer: (b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil
Explanation
Neem-coated urea
Ordinary urea dissolves fast.
Much of its nitrogen is lost by leaching and as gas before the crop can use it.
Neem coating slows this down.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Release of neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms | Incorrect | Neem does not raise nitrogen fixation |
| (b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil | Correct | Nitrogen is released slowly, so the crop uses more of it |
| (c) Nitrous oxide is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields | Incorrect | Emissions fall, but 'not at all' is too extreme |
| (d) It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer | Incorrect | It is only a fertilizer |
Benefits:
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Efficiency | Less urea needed per hectare |
| No diversion | Coated urea cannot be used by industry |
| Policy | 100 percent neem coating made mandatory in 2015 |
Answer: (b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Neem oil does not increase nitrogen fixation by soil microorganisms.
- (b) CORRECT. Neem coating slows down the dissolution of urea, so nitrogen lasts longer.
- (c) Incorrect. Nitrous oxide emissions are reduced, not stopped altogether.
- (d) Incorrect. Neem-coated urea is a fertilizer, not a weedicide combination.
Key point
Neem-coated urea: slow release of nitrogen (neem inhibits nitrification); higher efficiency; stops diversion to industry; 100 percent coating mandatory since 2015.
Remember
Neem coating slows the release of nitrogen from urea.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the option with 'not at all'; extreme claims are rarely right.
- Thinking neem coating adds nutrients; it only slows the release.
- Missing the second purpose: stopping diversion of subsidised urea.
Exam tip
Neem coat = slow release + no diversion.
Sources
- Department of Fertilizers — Neem Coated Urea policy (2015)
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research — Nitrogen use efficiency and neem coated urea