Context:
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the launch of Urea Gold.
- Urea gold will support the other initiative of government in the sphere of Environmentally Friendly Fertilizers (EFFs).
Urea gold:
- A Sulphur-Coated Urea (SCU).
- A non-organic slow-release fertilizer
- Prepared by – Coating preheated urea granules with molten sulphur.
- Benefits of Sulphur coating –
- Ensures a more gradual release of nitrogen.
- Prolongs the urea action
- Helps plants to stay greener for longer time.
- Increases efficiency and enhances soil health.
- Reduces frequent application of fertilizer
As per Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) study, use of SCU leads to reduction in urea consumption by 25%.
Environmentally Friendly Fertilizers (EFFs):
- Fertilizers that can reduce environmental pollution from nutrient loss by retarding, or even controlling, the release of nutrients into soil.
- Also include organic fertilizers such as Biocompost, Vermicompost, etc.
- Initiatives for EFFs in India –
- PM PRANAM (Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth) Scheme
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PMKSK): Development of Nano Urea and Neem Coated Urea
- GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan), helps in preparing organic manure.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels?
1. Cassava
2. Damaged wheat grains
3. Groundnut seeds
4. Horse gram
5. Rotten potatoes
6. Sugar beet
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
According to the National Biofuel policy among all the raw materials used for biofuel production. The Policy expands the scope of raw material for ethanol production by allowing the use of Sugarcane Juice, Sugar containing materials like Sugar Beet, Sweet Sorghum, etc. Starch containing materials like Corn, Cassava, Damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice, Rotten Potatoes, unfit for human consumption for ethanol production.
