India-Japan Collaboration on Urea-Efficient Wheat Varieties Using BNI Technology
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News? | Collaboration between Indian and Japanese institutions to develop BNI-based wheat varieties. |
| Key Institutions | ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal; IIWBR; IARI; BISA; JIRCAS; funded by JICA. |
| Aim | Reduce urea dependency, address environmental sustainability, productivity, and subsidy burden. |
| Technology | Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI). |
| Transformative Potential | Reduces nitrogen fertiliser demand, minimises nitrogen leaching, preserves soil and water. |
| Initial Results | 15-20% reduction in urea usage without compromising yield or quality. |
| Future Implications | Revolutionise wheat cultivation, reduce urea dependency, address global agricultural challenges. |
| BNI Definition | Natural plant process regulating nitrification, improving nitrogen-use efficiency. |
| Subsidy on Urea | Urea is highly subsidised for agricultural use, sold at government-set MRP. |