Context
Biotechnologists found significant Nitrogen Use Efficiency(NUE) variations in popular Indian rice varieties, potentially leading to new varieties that use less nitrogen, cut fertilizer costs, and reduce pollution.
About Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Indian Rice Varieties
- Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) Measurement: is gauged by the grain yield per unit of urea (nitrogen fertilizer).
- Cereals, especially rice, consume 2/3rds of all urea in India.
- Poor NUE results in the wastage of nitrogen fertilizers worth ₹1 trillion annually in India and over $170 billion globally.
- Nitrogen fertilizers are major contributors to nitrous oxide and ammonia pollution , affecting air quality, water resources, health, biodiversity, and climate change.
- About the Study:
- Screened a dozen rice varieties and identified 19 parameters strongly linked to NUE, with 8 newly discovered parameters.
- The findings were based on a decade of research involving 34 rice varieties, with greenhouse results confirmed in field trials.
- High NUE Varieties:
- Khira and CR Dhan 301: High NUE rice varieties identified, but they are long-duration crops.
- Dhala Heera: A variety with both high NUE and short duration, considered ideal.
About Nitrogen
- Nitrogen (N) is a crucial element for all living organisms, vital for the formation of amino acids, proteins, DNA, and RNA.
- Makes up about 78% of Earth’s atmosphere, primarily in the form of N₂ gas, which is largely inert.
- Nitrogen Cycle: involves processes like nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.
- Nitrogen Fixation: Certain bacteria and archaea convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia (NH₃), a form that plants can absorb and use.
About Indian Rice Varieties:
India has a vast diversity of rice varieties some of which are:
- High-yielding varieties – IR64, Swarna, and MTU-1010.
- Traditional varieties – Basmati, Gobindobhog, and Ambemohar
- Specialty varieties:
- Basmati: Long grains, aromatic.
- Joha: Small-grained, aromatic (Assam).
- Kala Namak : Scented, medicinal (Uttar Pradesh).
- Climate-specific varieties:
- Swarna Sub1: Flood-resistant.
- Sahbhagi Dhan: Drought-resistant.
- Nutritional varieties – Gobindobhog and Katarni are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Source:
The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Which of the following adds/add nitrogen to the soil?
1. Excretion of urea by animals
2. Burning of coal by man
3. Death of vegetation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2013 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
