OREANDA-NEWS. Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh while addressing farmers in a function at the launching of ‘Neem’ coated urea organised by KRIBHCO, Hebbal, Bengaluru today, emphasised on the maximum use of neem coated urea for increase of production and reduction in production cost. He further said that ‘neem’ coated urea is helpful in reducing the pollution of water, soil and air. Shri Singh said that India have to import about 70 lakh ton of urea every year, which affects the foreign exchange. He further said that plants cannot absorb nitrogen found in urea to its maximum extent as a result a large component of it goes waste. By increasing the utility factor of nitrogen (through ‘neem’ coated urea), the consumption of urea can be reduced, he added.

India has been using neem over the centuries in one way or the other. ‘Neem’ is a true friend of farmers from ancient times. KRIBHCO has developed neem coated urea, by mixing ‘neem’ oil in urea, which is being used by various farmers across the country and they are benefitted by it. Shri Singh further said that by using neem coated urea the utility capacity of nitrogen can be increased by 10 to 15%. By balanced use of fertilizers, the health of soil can be sustained over a long period, he said.