A Sustainable Future for Indian Agriculture
In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture, India and Japan have joined hands to develop India’s first wheat varieties that utilize Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) technology. This innovative approach aims to reduce the nation’s reliance on urea, a key chemical fertilizer, while boosting crop yields and safeguarding the environment.
What is BNI Technology?
BNI technology is a natural process where plant roots release compounds that inhibit the conversion of nitrogen into nitrate. This reduces nitrogen loss through leaching and emissions, ensuring efficient nutrient usage and minimizing the need for chemical fertilizers like urea.
The Collaborative Effort
This ambitious project is a collaborative effort between several renowned institutions:
- ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI)
- Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR)
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
- Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA)
- Japan International Research Centre for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS)
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is providing financial support for this initiative.
Promising Results and Future Outlook
Initial laboratory and field trials have yielded promising results. Scientists are optimistic about introducing a wheat variety that requires significantly less urea, thereby reducing India’s dependence on chemical fertilizers.
Dr. Ajay Kumar Bhardwaj, Principal Scientist at CSSRI, highlighted the transformative potential of BNI technology: “This technology can reduce nitrogen fertilizer demand without compromising yield or quality, leading to sustainable agricultural practices. It also minimizes nitrogen leaching into groundwater, preserving soil fertility and water resources.”
Dr. CN Mishra, senior scientist, IIWBR, added that initial experiments showed a 15-20% reduction in urea usage without impacting yield or quality.
By embracing BNI technology, India and Japan are poised to revolutionize wheat cultivation and address global agricultural challenges. This groundbreaking collaboration signifies a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable future for Indian agriculture.
