Question map
Why does the Government of India promote the use of 'Neem-coated Urea' in agriculture?
Explanation
The correct answer is option B. Neem coating causes nitrogen in the neem coated urea to be released to plants very slowly[1], which effectively slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil. Neem-coated urea functions as a nitrification inhibitor[2], meaning it delays the conversion of urea to nitrate, thereby reducing nitrogen losses and improving efficiency. This results in requiring less quantity of fertilizer for the same plot size while giving higher[1] crop yields. The government made it mandatory for all indigenous urea producers to produce 100% of their subsidized urea as Neem Coated Urea in 2015[3], primarily to improve fertilizer efficiency and reduce nitrogen leaching.
Option A is incorrect as there is no documented mechanism where neem oil increases nitrogen fixation by soil microorganisms. Option C is incorrect because while neem-coated urea may reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it does not eliminate nitrous oxide release entirely. Option D is incorrect as neem-coated urea is not designed as a weedicide-fertilizer combination; it primarily helps in curbing diversion to non-agricultural sectors and improving crop yield[4].
Sources- [1] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 9: Subsidies > Following are some of the benefits of "new urea policy 2015": > p. 288
- [2] https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/540298/1/N540298JA.pdf
- [3] https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=159903
- [4] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > Government Initiatives so far: > p. 304
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic 'Science of Policy' question. It was a headline topic in 2015-16 due to the mandatory neem-coating policy. The question tests if you understand the *mechanism* (slow release) justifying the policy, not just the policy name. It bridges General Science (chemistry of dissolution) with Indian Economy (subsidy management).
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: Does neem-coated urea, as promoted by the Government of India, release neem oil into the soil that increases nitrogen fixation by soil microorganisms?
- Statement 2: Does neem-coated urea, as promoted by the Government of India, slow down the rate at which urea dissolves in soil?
- Statement 3: In the context of the Government of India's promotion of neem-coated urea, do agricultural crop fields release nitrous oxide (a greenhouse gas) into the atmosphere?
- Statement 4: Is neem-coated urea, as promoted by the Government of India, a combination of a weedicide (herbicide) and a fertilizer for particular crops?
- Government source describes the policy promotion/mandate for Neem Coated Urea but does not describe a mechanism of neem oil release or increased microbial N fixation.
- The passage notes DAC&FW conducted a study to determine impact, implying evaluation exists but does not state that neem oil increases nitrogen fixation by soil microorganisms.
- Research paper describes Neem-coated urea (NCU) as a 'nitrification inhibitor' and assesses effects on GHG and soil biological activity, not as releasing neem oil that increases nitrogen fixation.
- The passage links NCU to changes in soil biological activity but does not state that neem oil is released into soil or that it increases nitrogen fixation by microbes.
This source lists as a plausible rationale (choice a) that neem oil release increases nitrogen fixation, showing the claim is circulated as an asserted benefit.
A student could treat this as a hypothesis to check against experimental or soil-microbiology studies about neem compounds and Nâfixing microbes.
States a clear, supported function of neem-coated urea: it slows urea dissolution and reduces leaching, which affects nitrogen availability in soil.
Combine this with knowledge that slower N release alters soil N dynamics and test whether that change (not neem oil itself) could indirectly affect Nâfixers.
Notes that neem oil is produced specifically to coat urea, confirming that neem compounds are present on marketed fertilizer.
Use this to justify investigating whether the amount and chemical form of neem on coated urea could reach concentrations in soil that affect microbes.
Gives the biological definition: soil bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium) perform nitrogen fixation, establishing which organisms would have to be affected for the claim to hold.
A student could identify target organisms (Rhizobium and freeâliving Nâfixers) and look for studies on neem oil's effects on these taxa.
Highlights that agricultural practices and additions (e.g., inocula, mulches) can enhance soil microbial activity, implying that inputs can influence microbes' nutrient-cycling roles.
Use this pattern to consider that neem-coated urea, as an agronomic input, might influence microbial communities either directly (chemical effect) or indirectly (altered N dynamics).
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This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
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This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
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