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Nitrogen-use efficiency in Indian rice varieties

Context

Biotechnologists have discovered significant variations in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) among popular rice varieties in India. This breakthrough could help develop new rice varieties that use less nitrogen, thereby reducing fertilizer costs and environmental pollution.

Key Findings:

  • The study found a five-fold variation in NUE among different rice varieties, meaning some varieties are significantly better at using nitrogen efficiently.
  • The findings suggest that there are many untapped varieties with potentially high NUE, which could be further explored.
    • Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) measures the yield of a crop relative to the nitrogen available to it, including both natural and artificial sources.
  • This research could lead to more efficient rice varieties that reduce fertilizer costs and environmental impact.
  • Current Challenges: India uses a large portion of its urea on cereals, especially rice. Inefficient use of nitrogen fertilizers results in a waste of ?1 trillion annually in India and over $170 billion globally.
    • Nitrogen fertilizers contribute to nitrous oxide and ammonia pollution, affecting air quality, water sources, and climate change.
  • Potential Solutions:
    • Improvements in fertilizer formulations and crop management practices can enhance NUE.
    • The study highlights the need for biotechnological advancements to develop rice varieties with higher NUE and better yields.
  • Global Context: India is the second-largest source of nitrous oxide emissions, mainly due to fertilizer use, contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas levels.

Fact Box: Rice Cultivation in India

  • India is the world's second-largest producer of rice, and the largest exporter of rice in the world.
  • Major rice producing states: West Bengal, UP, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Tamil Nadu.
  • Rice Growing Regions in India
    • North-Eastern Region: Assam and other northeastern states. Rice is grown in the Brahmaputra River Basin. The region experiences heavy rainfall and relies on rainfed cultivation.
    • Eastern Region: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Rice is cultivated in the Ganga and Mahanadi river basins. This region has the highest rice cultivation intensity in the country, with heavy rainfall and primarily rainfed cultivation.
    • Northern Region: Haryana, Punjab, Western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Experiences low winter temperatures. Rice is grown as a single crop from May-July to September-December.
    • Western Region: Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Rice is grown under rainfed conditions from June-August to October-December.
    • Southern Region: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Rice is cultivated in the deltaic tracts of the Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery rivers, as well as in the non-deltaic rainfed areas of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Irrigated cultivation is prominent in the deltaic tracts.
  • Cultivation of the carbohydrate-rich grain is a major contributor to the emission of two greenhouse gases (GHG) - methane and nitrous oxide. 
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