Technical Summary

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities have altered the global nitrogen (N) cycle in a massive way. With a consumption of 15.5% of the global production of fertilizer-N in the cropping year of 2015-16 and increase in energy and transport due to increasing societal aspirations, India illustrates a dual challenge to food production and environmental protection vis-à-vis release of reactive-N (NR). While necessity for considering the usefulness of the NR challenge for India is apparently more of economic nature, considering the huge subsidy burden to the country's exchequer for fertilizer-N, additional environmental burden including adverse climate and associated health impacts are of great concern. Thus an in-depth analysis and policy intervention to stem the tide should be a win-win option.