Application of nitrogen in production and post-production systems of agriculture and its effect on environment in India

Nitrogen in various chemical forms plays a major role in large number of en vironmental issues. Some atmospheric nitrogen combines with oxygen to form nitrogen-oxide which is hazardous to environment. India cannot avoid the us e of chemical fertilizers as the demand for food for the ever-growing popul ation is very high. The present annual production of food grains is about 1 91 million tonnes. The target of achieving food grain production by 2000 AD is 220 million tonnes to feed about 1000 million people. A rapid increase in agricultural production is possible only by increasing the application o f chemical fertilizers. Over 9 million tonnes of nitrogen is used for crop production annually in India, but there is still a great shortage of nitrog en to meet the requirement of crops; hence, the gap between demand and supp ly is very high. The major application of nitrogen in post-production is in food preservation. With the modernization in technology and the liberalize d economy and market system, the demand for processed food items is increas ing; therefore, the application of nitrogen in food industries will also in crease in the near future. Thus, the application of nitrogen for various pu rposes is increasing without its adverse effect on the environment being re alised. It is essential to visualize the seriousness of population growth o n economy and environment. The consumption patterns existing within society must be based on the clear understanding of the carrying capacity of the l and. An attempt has been made to present the status of application of nitro gen in crop production and food preservation in India. Scientific research carried out on food preservation with application of nitrogen has also been described. A future demand for nitrogen for these activities has been high lighted. The effect of nitrogen on the environment and measures to overcome it are suggested in this paper.