Month: August 2023

Categories
Governance

PM E-Bus Seva Scheme Will Transform Urban Mobility With 10,000 Electric Buses

The recent approval of the PM e-bus Seva scheme by the Union Cabinet is a big step towards improving urban mobility and boosting green transport across India.

Overview of the PM E-Bus Seva Scheme

  • E-Bus Definition: At the heart of the programme are e-buses, which are buses that are powered entirely by zero-emissions electrical sources for both propulsion and accessory systems.
  • Cost and scope: The PM e-bus Sewa scheme is expected to cost Rs 57,613 crore, with the central government investing Rs 20,000 crore.
  • Operational Support: For a period of ten years, the initiative will give operational support to bus services.

Strategy for Implementation

  • The scheme will be carried out in two main segments:
  • 10,000 E-Buses: A public-private partnership (PPP) approach will be used to install 10,000 e-buses in 169 cities.
  • Infrastructure Improvements: Green urban mobility efforts in 181 additional cities will prioritise infrastructure, bus priority, charging infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, and automated ticket collection systems.
  • Depot Infrastructure: The first section will focus on the building and upgrade of depot infrastructure, including power substations, to serve the new e-buses.
  • Job Creation: It is projected that the scheme will generate 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs, adding to employment growth.

Funding and coverage

  • Coverage includes cities with populations of three lakh or more, Union Territory capitals, as well as northeastern and hill states.
  • State or city governments will administer bus services and payments to bus operators, with the federal government paying subsidies as stipulated in the system. This method encourages decentralised management.

Positive Effects

  • Environmental Advantages: The usage of electric buses reduces noise and air pollution, resulting in cleaner and healthier urban settings.
  • Reduced Carbon Emissions: Electric transportation is consistent with India’s aim to reduce carbon emissions and battle climate change.
  • Economies of Scale: It is envisaged that aggregating electric bus purchases will result in economies of scale, making electric buses more financially viable and boosting their adoption.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-green-mobility-push-cabinet-nod-for-10000-electric-buses-in-100-cities-8895888/#:~:text=In%20a%20move%20to%20promote,will%20%E2%80%9Credefine%20urban%20mobility%E2%80%9D.
Categories
Governance

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

The Union Cabinet has approved the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, a ground-breaking initiative aimed at elevating India’s artisans and craftspeople.

  • Supporting Artisans: It will be a Central Sector Scheme with two goals: to promote the Guru-Shishya Parampara: an age-old tradition of skill transmission within families, and to uplift artisans and craftsmen involved in manual trades.
  • In its initial phase, this comprehensive system covers 18 traditional trades, including blacksmiths, carpenters, potters, goldsmiths, tailors, and others who constitute the foundations of rural economies.

Key Scheme

  • Financial Provisions: The scheme is backed by a budget of 13,000 crore, giving significant financial support to artists and craftspeople.
  • Artists and crafters will be recognised with the coveted PM Vishwakarma certificate and an official ID card, certifying their abilities and achievements.
  • Credit Support: The scheme provides credit support, with up to 1 lakh available in the first tranche and 2 lakh available in the second tranche, at a favourable interest rate of 5%.
  • To improve competence, the scheme comprises skill upgradation programmes that cover both basic and advanced training. During training, participants will be paid a stipend of $500 each day.
  • Contemporary Tools and Incentives: Beneficiaries will get up to $15,000 in grants to purchase contemporary tools, which will improve the quality and efficiency of their job.
  • Digital Transactions and Marketing: The scheme fosters digital transactions and marketing assistance, connecting craftsmen with larger markets by embracing current practises.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/the-importance-of-the-sulina-channel-to-ukraine-grain-trade-8895778/
Categories
Geography

Sulina Channel

As Russia threatens ships in the Black Sea, the ‘Sulina Channel’ in Romania provides a lifeline for Ukraine’s grain exports.

Sulina Canal

  • The Sulina Channel is located in Romania’s southeastern area, specifically in the Danube Delta region.
  • It connects one of Europe’s major rivers, the Danube, to the Black Sea, offering a direct route for maritime transportation.
  • The channel is approximately 64 kilometres long, making it an important shipping and navigation route.
  • It is an important trade route for cargo ships, commercial ships, and other maritime traffic entering and exiting the Black Sea region.
  • The Sulina Channel was built in the nineteenth century to assist the navigation of large ships and boats into and out of the Danube Delta.

Importance for Ukraine

  • The Sulina waterway, the Danube’s only deep and wide waterway, serves as a vital “riverine motorway” for carrying products from inland Ukrainian ports to the Black Sea.
  • Ukrainian grain ships go on the Chilia Channel from Izmail and Reni to Sulina, where the cargo is transferred to larger vessels.
  • These ships then travel to Constanta, Romania’s main seaport, for onward transfer into the Mediterranean.
  • This route is under NATO’s monitoring and protection, providing some protection against Russian aggression.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/the-importance-of-the-sulina-channel-to-ukraine-grain-trade-8895778/
Categories
Science & Tech

ISRO is preparing for the Aditya-L1 mission

The Aditya-L1 satellite has arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, for integration with the PSLV launch vehicle, despite the fact that the mission launch date has yet to be set.

Aditya-L1 Operation

  • The primary goal of Aditya-L1 is to closely watch the Sun and obtain information about its corona, solar emissions, flares, solar winds, and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).
  • For these scientific endeavours, the satellite is outfitted with seven innovative payloads.
  • The mission offers continuous observation of the Sun, allowing us new insight into its behaviour and impacts.

The importance of the mission

  • Solar Influence: Every celestial body, including Earth and distant exoplanets, is inextricably tied to its parent star. The weather and climate of the Sun have a significant impact on the entire solar system.
  • Variations in solar activity can interrupt satellite orbits, damage electronics, cause power outages, and cause disturbances on Earth. Understanding and predicting space weather phenomena requires accurate knowledge of solar occurrences.

L1 Lagrange Point Advantage

  • Continuous Solar Observations: Because Aditya-L1 will be located at the Lagrangian Point 1 (L1), approximately 1.5 million kilometres from Earth, it will be uniquely positioned to view the Sun without interference from occultation or eclipses. L1 is an orbital location where gravity forces form stable zones of attraction and repulsion.
  • The Importance of L1: The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Satellite (SOHO), which is based at L1, has enabled groundbreaking solar research. The observations of Aditya-L1 will help us gain a better understanding of solar behaviour.

When compared to international missions

  • While NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has gotten closer to the Sun, Aditya-L1 will concentrate on direct solar observations from a greater distance.
  • Many sensors and components for Aditya-L1 are being developed for the first time in India, posing both a challenge and an opportunity for the country’s scientific and engineering community.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/what-is-isro-aditya-l1-mission-8892308/#:~:text=Isro%20tweeted%2C%20%E2%80%9CPSLV%2DC57,SDSC%2DSHAR%2C%20Sriharikota.%E2%80%9D
Categories
Economics

Platform for Frictionless Credit in the Public Sector

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a Public Tech Platform for Frictionless loan, which aims to improve loan accessibility and lending efficiency.

The Public Technology Platform

  • It is created by the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), a subsidiary of the RBI.
  • It attempts to simplify the credit distribution process by allowing for the continuous flow of digital information to lenders.
  • It intends to simplify credit evaluation by offering an end-to-end digital ecosystem that enables the smooth transmission of critical digital data across stakeholders.

Platform Specifications

  • Open Architecture: The platform is built on an open architecture concept, which promotes interoperability and collaboration among financial industry participants.
  • Open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and standards enable easy integration and interaction among participating entities.
  • Efficiency and Scalability: The platform intends to improve lending efficiency, lower costs, speed up disbursement, and expand lending operations.

Scope and Launch

  • Calibrated Rollout: On August 17, 2023, the platform will be launched as a pilot project, with incremental access to information providers and use cases.
  • The initial focus will be on credit products such as Kisan Credit Card loans, dairy loans, collateral-free MSME loans, personal loans, and home loans.
  • Integration and Services: Aadhaar e-KYC, state government land records, satellite data, PAN validation, Aadhaar e-signing, account aggregation, and other services will be integrated into the platform.
Source: https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/rbi-to-pilot-public-tech-platform-to-aid-lenders/102762525#:~:text=%22The%20public%20tech%20platform%20would,RBI%20said%20in%20a%20statement.
Categories
History

The significance of the Red Fort on Independence Day

  • Every year on August 15, India celebrates its Independence Day by flying the national flag at Delhi’s famed Red Fort.
  • This ancient tradition, established by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, is crucial in India’s road towards self-government and independence from colonial domination.

Concerning Red Fort

  • The Red Fort, also known as “Lal Qila” in Hindi, was built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Its construction started in 1638 and was finished in 1648. It was intended to be the Mughal rulers’ principal residence.
  • Architectural Wonder: The Red Fort is a Mughal architectural masterpiece, distinguished by its red sandstone walls and rich marble ornamentation. It mixes architectural styles from the Persian, Timurid, and Indian empires.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 2007, the Red Fort was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its historical and cultural value, as well as its outstanding architectural design.
  • The Red Fort is a gigantic edifice with walls that stretch over 2 kilometres. It is shaped like an irregular octagon and has two main entrances: the Lahore Gate and the Delhi Gate.
  • Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas: The complex contains the Diwan-i-Aam (Public Audience Hall) and the Diwan-i-Khas (Private Audience Hall). The former was allocated for public addresses, while the latter was for private gatherings and debates.
  • Mumtaz Mahal: Within the complex is a white marble monument known as Mumtaz Mahal, which is frequently confused with the Taj Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan’s wife, is buried here.

The Historical Importance of the Red Fort

  • Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Era: During the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal era, Delhi rose to prominence as an important capital city. The beautiful Red Fort became synonymous with the seat of authority, and the Mughals built their dominion from there.
  • The Mughal monarchs’ association with Delhi provided them with symbolic legitimacy even as their actual authority faded. Despite their declining influence, they were still seen as India’s legitimate rulers.
  • The Rebellion of 1857 enhanced the Red Fort’s symbolic significance even more. The rebels gathered around the elderly Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, emphasising the fort’s significance as a focal point for indigenous authority.

The Influence of British Imperialism

  • British Rule and the Red Fort: Following the suppression of the 1857 Rebellion, the British preserved the Red Fort but deprived it of its magnificence. They turned the fort into a British garrison, eliminating its Mughal past.
  • Symbolism: Despite downplaying Delhi’s importance, the British recognised its symbolic significance. The Delhi Durbars, as well as the decision to relocate the capital from Calcutta to Delhi, emphasised the city’s significance and authority.

The Red Fort and India’s Independence Struggle

  • INA Trials: The Red Fort rose to notoriety during the INA trials, in which INA officers were prosecuted for treason. These trials instilled patriotism and built the Red Fort as a symbol of resistance to British authority.
  • As India neared independence, Nehru’s decision to hoist the national flag at the Red Fort in 1947 symbolised the liberation of this historical place from British colonial power. It was the culmination of India’s struggle for independence and the assertion of its sovereignty.

Key events

  • INA Trials: In the mid-1940s, the Red Fort played an important part in the trials of Indian National Army (INA) officers. The trials sparked nationalist feelings and elevated the location to the status of a symbol of resistance to British rule.
  • Jawaharlal Nehru’s decision to wave the national flag from the Red Fort on August 15, 1947, heralded the site’s liberation from colonial domination and India’s independence as an independent republic.

Annual Observance and Symbolism

  • Keeping the custom Alive: The custom of flying the national flag and delivering the Independence Day message from the Red Fort is still going on today.
  • Identity Reclamation: The Red Fort’s annual celebrations highlight the triumph of India’s struggle for independence and the reclaiming of its cultural and historical identity from colonial oppression.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/red-fort-venue-for-pms-independence-day-speech-8892626/#:~:text=Causing%20an%20outpouring%20of%20sympathy,Fort%20in%201947%20makes%20sense.
Categories
Polity

Cauvery Water Dispute

  • Tamil Nadu has asked the Supreme Court to order Karnataka to provide 24,000 cusecs of water immediately.
  • According to the judgement of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT), the state requests the release of 36.76 TMC for September 2023.

The Cauvery Water Dispute: A Historical Overview

  • The water conflict began in 1892, when the British-ruled Madras Presidency clashed with the princely state of Mysore (now Karnataka).
  • Agreement of 1924: A 50-year accord brokered by the British attempted to reduce tensions but merely lay the framework for future disputes.
  • Post-Independence Battles: In the 1960s and 1980s, Karnataka’s dam development prompted Tamil Nadu to file an appeal with the Supreme Court. The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was formed as a result.
  • Temporary Measures: In 1998, the Cauvery River Authority (CRA) enacted temporary orders. Despite the CWDT’s 2013 win, contentious concerns persisted.
  • Final Award: In 2013, the CWDT awarded water quantities to Tamil Nadu (419 TMC), Karnataka (270 TMC), Kerala (30 TMC), and Puducherry (7 TMC).

Water Sharing Criteria

  • Monthly Schedule: Karnataka, the upper riparian state, is required to provide a certain amount of water to Tamil Nadu each month.
  • Annual Allotment: Karnataka must deliver 177.25 TMC to Tamil Nadu in a “normal” year, with 123.14 TMC during the southwest monsoon.
  • Challenges: The monsoon season is a turbulent time when arguments frequently emerge due to changing rainfall.

Water Sharing Provisions in the Constitution

  • Article 262: Allows Parliament to address inter-state river disputes; the IRWD Act, 1956 was enacted as a result of this clause.
  • In Entry 17 (State List) and Entry 56 (Union List), the seventh schedule defines legislative authority over water resources.

Resolving Cauvery Water Sharing

(A) Supreme Court’s 2018 Verdict

  • Cauvery as a National Asset: The Supreme Court proclaimed the Cauvery River to be a “national asset” and affirmed inter-state river water equality.
  • Allotment Adjustments: Because the Court found flaws in the CWDT’s estimate, Karnataka received minimal relief and Tamil Nadu’s allotment was cut to 177.25 TMC.
  • The Court directed the formation of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) to ensure the efficient implementation of directives.

(B) Cauvery Water Management Scheme

  • The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) was established with the support of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) to govern water releases.
  • Permanent and Technical Bodies: The CWMA is in charge of water regulation, while the CWRC is in charge of data collecting and final award implementation.

Current Situation and Implications:

  • The Cauvery water dispute is still a continuing issue with historical and legal implications.
  • Resource Management: The formation of the CWMA and CWRC intends to resolve the conflict through proper water management.
  • Struggle Continues: The debate highlights the complexities of water sharing under a federal system and the need for equitable solutions.

Tamil Nadu’s Argument

  • The CWMA requested 10,000 cusecs from Karnataka for 15 days, but Karnataka only offered 8,000 cusecs until August 22.
  • Previous Agreement: At the CWRC meeting, Tamil Nadu was irritated by Karnataka’s failure to stick to the former agreement of 15,000 cusecs for 15 days.
  • Distress-sharing Formula: Although the TN CM favours a distress-sharing formula, Karnataka has not adopted one.

Karnataka’s Rainfall Deficit:

  • Karnataka claims that lesser rainfall in Cauvery’s catchment areas, particularly Kerala, has resulted in lower inflow into its reservoirs.
  • A Difficult Situation: Karnataka reported that it was unable to deliver water because reservoirs received less inflow this year.
  • Inconsistency: Despite Karnataka’s support for the formula, the state refused to accept it.

Future Prospects

  • Concerns for Tamil Nadu: The Mettur reservoir’s storage capacity is severely low, posing a threat to farmers and the next kuruvai harvest.
  • Water scarcity: Considering dead storage and drinking water needs, present water supplies may last barely 10 days.
  • Waiting for the Supreme Court: The result of the case now depends on the Supreme Court’s interpretation and conclusion.
  • Resolution Required: There is a clear need for a mutually agreed distress-sharing formula.

Current Issues and Factors Extending the Dispute:

  • Flood-drought cycles, pollution, and groundwater depletion have all contributed to erratic water levels.
  • Idealistic Calculations: The Supreme Court’s decision is based on favourable conditions that do not always match reality.
  • Dependence and population: Both states rely extensively on the river, resulting in competing water needs for urban and agricultural areas.
  • Inefficient Water Use: Due to inefficient irrigation systems, crop output per unit of water used is poor.
  • Hydropolitics and Delays: Political parties use water issues to mobilise their supporters. Delays are exacerbated by lengthy tribunal adjudications.
Source: https://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/cauvery-water-dispute/
Categories
Uncategorized

Tamil Nadu vs. NEET: Striking a Balance Between Equity and Autonomy

  • The standoff between Tamil Nadu and the Centre over the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) has heated up.
  • It has sparked debate on returning education to the State List of the Constitution’s Seventh Schedule.

Why is this in the news?

  • Educational Independence: M.K. Stalin demanded that education be returned to the State List after being placed on the Concurrent List during the Emergency.
  • NEET Disagreement: The sad suicides of a student and his father as a result of exam-related stress fueled Tamil Nadu’s opposition to NEET.

Why is Tamil Nadu opposed to NEET?

  • Due to its mechanical concentration on grades, NEET, a centralised entrance exam for medical courses, attracts resistance in Tamil Nadu.
  • The Effect on Local Models: NEET upended paradigms such as Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, which was noted for emphasising talent above grades.
  • Impact of In-Service Quota: NEET eliminated Tamil Nadu’s in-service quota for medical graduates, lowering healthcare quality.
  • Disadvantages The exam benefits wealthier sectors who can afford lakhs of dollars in tuition (especially repeaters), disadvantaging underprivileged groups and impeding their objectives.

The Emotional Nature of the Problem

  • Equity and Social Justice: Opposition to NEET is strongly founded in aspirations for educational equity and autonomy, which are motivated by concerns about social justice.
  • Kamaraj’s Dream: Chief Minister K. Kamaraj’s education vision for Tamil Nadu emphasised accessibility and empathy for the unlettered population.

Legislative Struggles

  • Bills presented by the former AIADMK administration in 2017 demanding state autonomy in medical admissions. The President gave them back.
  • Stalin’s Attempts: The Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Medical Degree Courses Bill, 2021, was passed by CM M.K. Stalin’s government in 2021, with the goal of abolishing NEET and basing admissions on Class 12 grades for social justice.
  • Governor R.N. Ravi, who was opposed to the anti-NEET Bill, delayed its submission to the President, causing political problems.

Justice A.K. Rajan Committee

  • Committee Formation: The Justice A.K. Rajan Committee was formed in 2021 to evaluate the fairness of NEET medical admissions.
  • The committee criticised NEET for preferring repeaters and coached students while disadvantageous first-time applicants, resulting in lower admissions among marginalised groups.

Why is TN now enraged?

  • Medical course admissions fall within the Concurrent List (Entry 25), which allows governments to regulate on these issues.
  • Amending Central Laws: States may pass admissions laws and change central admissions rules as long as they do not violate legislative statutes.

Current Situation

  • Historic Public Health Practises: Retaining PG doctors was critical to Tamil Nadu’s public health infrastructure, demonstrating the state’s excellent healthcare practises.
  • Reconciling Uniformity and Fairness: The stalemate in the NEET programme demonstrates the difficulty of reconciling uniformity with local values and requirements.
  • Clash of Values: The issue highlights a greater struggle between centralization and local autonomy, highlighting deeper concerns in India about democracy, equality, and social justice.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/behind-tn-vs-centre-over-neet-a-larger-equity-federalism-battle-8892918/

Categories
Science & Tech

Pathogen Surveillance and Metagenome Sequencing

  • Genome sequencing methods were critical in identifying the agent responsible for the COVID epidemic.
  • This method, known as metagenomics, has transformed pathogen detection and surveillance, allowing for rapid reaction to new threats.

Metagenomics and COVID-19

  • Unprecedented Scale: Scientists used genome sequencing to quickly identify SARS-CoV-2, making it one of the most sequenced creatures in history.
  • Rather than using typical microbiological methods, patient samples were directly exposed to genome sequencing, which accelerated virus detection.
  • Global Genome Surveillance: The success of genome sequencing has resulted in the development of technologies such as the CovidSeq assay, as well as national and worldwide SARS-CoV-2 genome surveillance projects.

Pathogen Surveillance Application

  • Genome Surveillance methods: Several genome sequencing-based methods, like as the CovidSeq assay, have been developed for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
  • GISAID Repository: In response to high-throughput genome surveillance efforts, GISAID established a repository for global genome-sequence data.
  • India’s Initiatives: To support national-level initiatives, India launched a national genome-sequencing and surveillance programme for SARS-CoV-2.

Nigerian Investigation and Metagenomic Sequencing

  • Metagenomics: Nigerian scientists used metagenomic sequencing to evaluate pathogen surveillance in three patient cohorts.
  • The study discovered 13 different viruses among the cohorts, which facilitated in the detection of co-infections and undiagnosed diseases.
  • Diagnostic Potential: In certain cases, metagenomics was able to link symptoms to pesticide poisoning, demonstrating its diagnostic potential.
  • Diverse Applications and Future Prospects: Genome sequencing technologies are being used to detect additional infections such as Zika, dengue fever, lumpy skin disease, and drug-resistant tuberculosis.
  • Environmental Surveillance: Genome surveillance is being expanded to include a variety of sources, including wastewater, air, soil, and animals, to aid in early detection and response tactics.
  • Disease Defence: Genome sequencing is a cornerstone for future disease detection, surveillance, and response due to its speed, precision, and adaptability.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/metagenome-sequencing-transforming-pathogen-surveillance/article67187555.ece#:~:text=This%20new%20approach%20%E2%80%93%20called%20metagenomics,sequenced%20organisms%20in%20global%20history.
Categories
Environment & Biodiversity Science & Tech

Urea Gold: Improving Urea Efficiency

  • Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers Ltd (RCF) has launched “Urea Gold,” a fortified fertiliser that blends urea with sulphur to improve nitrogen usage efficiency (NUE).
  • It aims to address the issues of rising urea consumption and decreased agricultural efficiency.

What exactly is Urea Gold?

  • “Urea Gold” is a fortified fertiliser that combines urea and sulphur to improve NUE and crop performance.
  • NUE Enhancement: The reinforced combination ensures steady nitrogen release, preserving plant health and potentially reducing the frequency of fertiliser application.

Urea Consumption Issues and NUE Decline

  • Urea usage Increases: Between 2009-10 and 2022-23, urea usage increased from 26.7 million tonnes to 35.7 million tonnes, making it India’s primary fertiliser choice.
  • Import Reliance: Domestic urea production is mainly reliant on imported natural gas. India’s annual consumption is second only to China’s, where coal-based production dominates.
  • NUE is declining: Only approximately 35% of urea nitrogen is beneficial to crops, prompting worries about resource waste and excessive fertiliser use.

Fertiliser Solution fortified

  • Coating Strategy: In fortified fertilisers, primary nutrients (N, P, K) are coated with secondary nutrients (S, calcium, magnesium) and micronutrients (zinc, boron, manganese, and so on).
  • Coated fertilisers operate as “carrier products” for secondary and micronutrients, enhancing N and P use efficiency and assuring controlled nutrient delivery.
  • Yara International’s innovation: The “Procote” method allows for micronutrient coating, resulting in increased fertiliser efficacy.
  • Confirmation of Efficacy: The trials demonstrated that micronutrient-coated fertilisers increased paddy and wheat yields, potentially alleviating NUE issues.

Pricing and Distribution Issues

  • Pricing Issues: Existing subsidies for coated fertilisers such as zincated urea and boronated DAP may not incentivize producers to market fortified goods.
  • Obstacles to Farmer Adoption: Farmers have been discouraged from adopting coated choices due to price differences between fortified and non-fortified fertilisers.
  • Advocates recommend factory-level coating to promote uniform nutrition delivery and user ease. The elimination of maximum retail pricing (MRPs) for coated fertilisers may increase adoption.
  • Striking a Pricing Balance: Because traditional fertilisers are heavily subsidised, fortified product premiums must stay fair in order to encourage affordability.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/how-to-make-urea-more-efficient-as-a-fertiliser-and-why-thats-needed-8891183/
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