2016 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2016 · GS Paper I
Question 24: Economy and Social Development
Why does the Government of India promote the use of ‘Neem-coated Urea’ in agriculture?
aRelease of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms
bNeem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil
cNitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields
dIt is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Neem coating slows down the dissolution of urea in the soil, so nitrogen is released gradually. Less is lost to leaching and to the air, crops take up more of it, and the same yield needs less fertilizer. Neem coating also makes it harder to divert subsidized agricultural urea to industrial use. It does not raise nitrogen fixation, does not stop nitrous oxide emissions completely, and is not a weedicide.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Neem oil does not increase nitrogen fixation by soil microorganisms.
- (b) Right: the coating slows dissolution so nitrogen is released slowly.
- (c) Nitrous oxide is not eliminated; 'not at all' is wrong.
- (d) Neem-coated urea is not a weedicide-fertilizer mix.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.