Skip to main content

Author: rpuri

Mitigating Fertilizer Subsidy Burden: The Promise of BNI-Enabled Wheat Varieties in India

Written by rpuri on . Posted in Feature.

Manish K. Vishwakarma, Pradeep K. Bhati, and Arun K. Joshi

The Indian government’s hefty fertilizer subsidy highlights fertilizers’ vital role in boosting agricultural productivity. Farmers can buy urea at a regulated maximum retail price (MRP) through the urea subsidy program. A 45-kilogram bag of urea is priced at ₹242 per bag (excluding taxes and neem coating fees), while the actual cost can range from ₹2,200 to ₹3,000. The government provides the difference between the farm gate delivered cost and the net market realization to urea manufacturers or importers as a subsidy. Despite a revised estimate of ₹1.29-lakh crore, data from Business Line (Source: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers demand no 6 Department of Fertilizers, 2024-25) shows the urea subsidy rose above ₹1.30-lakh crore. However, this spending also poses significant economic and environmental challenges. Developing Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI)-enabled varieties is a promising solution to alleviate these issues. A robust breeding program to develop BNI wheat varieties is already underway in India through collaboration among ICAR-JICA/JIRCAS-BISA-CIMMYT.

Farmers broadcasting urea in their wheat fields (Source: BISA, PUSA)

What is BNI?

Biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) is the natural ability of certain plants (especially certain genotypes) to curb soil nitrification. These plants release compounds from their roots that inhibit nitrifying bacteria, reducing the conversion of ammonium to nitrate. Nitrification can lead to substantial nitrogen losses through gaseous emissions and leaching, diminishing fertilizer effectiveness and polluting water sources.

How BNI-Enabled Varieties Can Help: BNI wheat varieties can help Indian agriculture in the following ways.

  • Enhanced Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE): BNI-enabled varieties allow farmers to utilize applied fertilizers more effectively by minimizing nitrogen losses up to 20 to 30%. This translates to higher yields with lower input costs.
  • Reduced Fertilizer Dependency: Increased NUE can reduce the overall amount of fertilizer required, lowering the government’s subsidy burden.
  • Environmental Benefits: Reduced nitrogen losses minimize groundwater contamination and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural system.
  • Farmer Profitability: Higher yields and reduced input costs can significantly boost farmers’ incomes.
Figure: Illustration of the benefits of BNI crops in sustainable agriculture

How does BNI work?

  • Some wheat varieties exude BNI compounds like phenolic acids or other secondary metabolites from their roots.
  • These compounds target ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea, which are responsible for the first step of nitrification.
  • By suppressing these microbes, BNI slows down the transformation of NH₄⁺ to NO₃

BNI-Wheat Research in India:

Breeding for BN wheat in India has its genesis in the JIRCAS-CIMMYT collaboration that produced pre-bred BNI wheat lines after years of hard work. Once those pre-breeding lines became available, a discussion between Arun Joshi (BISA) and Dr Subbarao (JIRCAS) resulted in a project grant by JICA on April 11, 2022. This project, “Establishment of Nitrogen-Efficient Wheat Production Systems in Indo-Gangetic Plains by the Development of BNI Technology,” involved BISA, the three ICAR institutions (IIWBR and CSSRI in Karnal and IARI in New Delhi), and JIRCAS, Japan. Although BISA initiated testing and breeding BNI varieties in 2020, the project began a full-fledged breeding program involving all partners. In addition, this project has evaluated parental BNI lines under different fertilizer doses, and BNI lines were found superior to non-BNI in low (75%) nitrogen doses.  

Locations of BNI experimentations and breeding in India, with a picture of BNI trials at BISA, Ludhiana

Since then, significant progress has been made in developing wheat varieties with the BNI trait.

The BNI-derived lines (BNI-Munal, BNI-Roelf, and BNI-Vorobey) were used as the donor and crossed/backcrossed with several newly released varieties for different wheat-growing zones of India (DBW 303, DBW 187, DBW 222, DBW 110, DBW 252 DBW 327 HI 1612 and 7 CIMMYT Advanced lines). These lines have been tested for all diseases and all other important agronomic traits. The best lines will be screened for Ug99 and wheat blast in Kenya and Bangladesh, respectively. By the next two years (2026 and 2027), a few BNI lines are expected to find a place in the all-India coordinated trials.

Implementing BNI-Enabled Varieties: The realization of BNI wheat varieties in farmers’ fields will require several steps, as mentioned below:

•   Research and Development: Continued research is crucial to identifying and developing high-yielding BNI-enabled varieties for various crops and agroclimatic zones in India. This aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen breeding and seed systems in crops such as wheat, maize, and millet.

•   Seed System Strengthening: Establishing a robust seed system is essential to ensure the availability and accessibility of quality BNI-enabled seeds to farmers. Initiatives like the project on seed production systems in Bihar can serve as a model.

•   Extension Services: Effective extension programs are needed to educate farmers about the benefits of BNI-enabled varieties and provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful cultivation. Leveraging capacity-building programs and predictive breeding tools can accelerate adoption.

•   Policy Support: Government policies should incentivize the breeding and adoption of BNI-enabled varieties. Policies promoting stress-tolerant varieties can serve as a template for integrating BNI varieties into existing frameworks.

Figure: Implementation of BNI-enabled varieties in the seed value chain

In this context, scientists from around the world, working on integrating the BNI trait into crops like wheat, sorghum, and paddy, convened at the 5th BNI-International consortium biennial meeting from December 3-6, 2024, at the International Congress Center “EPOCHAL TSUKUBA” in Japan. They participated in brainstorming sessions and presented current updates and future perspectives on breeding BNI varieties of crops, mainly wheat. From India, the scientific team was led by Prof. Arun K Joshi, Managing Director of BISA, and Dr. T.R. Sharma, Deputy Director General (Crop Science) at ICAR. The Indian participants included Dr. RK Yadav, Director, CSSRI Karnal, Dr. SC Bhardwaj, Dr. CN Mishra, Dr. PK Bhati, and Dr. MK Vishwakarma. They also participated in the CropSustaiN: Partnering with the global BNI-Wheat Mission – Develop Give/Take Linkages on December 6 in Tsukuba, Japan.

5th BNI-International Consortium Biennial Meeting Date: 3rd to 6th December, Venue: Hall 300, International Congress Center “EPOCHAL TSUKUBA” Japan.

Conclusion:

BNI-enabled varieties offer a sustainable and economically viable solution to mitigate the challenges associated with fertilizer subsidies in India. Significant progress has been made in the wheat crop to develop BNI varieties. By promoting increased NUE, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing farmer profitability, these varieties can contribute significantly to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector. BNI lines have shown promise under Indian conditions. The BNI breeding pipeline is in the advanced stage through the JICA-funded project involving BISA and ICAR institutes (IIWBR, IARI, and CSSRI). There is a high expectation that BNI lines might be in national trials in India in the next 2 years. By working together, scientists, policymakers, and farmers can make BNI wheat a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, helping feed the world while protecting the planet for future generations. Furthermore, integrating advanced breeding approaches and multi-omics research can accelerate the development and deployment of these innovative solutions, paving the way for a climate-resilient future.

BISA Welcomes Dr. M.L. Jat, DG, ICAR and Secretary DARE

Written by rpuri on . Posted in News.

By BISA Team

A felicitation and welcome ceremony was held at BISA, to honour Dr. M.L. Jat, the newly appointed Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR.

The ceremony was graced by several eminent dignitaries, including:

  1. Dr. R.K. Jat – Scientist & Incharge, BISA Pusa
  2. Dr. K.K. Singh – Head, ICAR-IARI Regional Station, Pusa
  3. Dr. M.L. Meena – Head, KVK Turki

Also in attendance were notable scientists and professionals such as Dr. Satish Nayak, Dr. Vijay Singh Meena, Dr. Kajod Mal Chaudhary, Dr. Manish Vishkarma, Dr. Shubham Durgude, Dr. Selvaganeshan, Dr. Sunil Kumar, Dr. Mohammad Hasnain, Dr. Subhayan, Mr. Mukesh Kumar, along with the staff of BISA Pusa and ICAR-IARI Regional Centre, and a large gathering of enthusiastic farmers from the Pusa region.

The ceremony was a heartwarming tribute to visionary leadership in agricultural science and research.

In his heartfelt address, Dr. M.L. Jat expressed his deep emotional bond with farmers in India, calling it “a connection that is heartfelt, enduring, and unforgettable.” He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to stand by the farming community and to continue promoting science-backed innovations for enhancing agricultural resilience, productivity, and prosperity.

Dr. Arun Joshi, MD, BISA, extended his congratulations to Dr. Jat. According to Dr. Joshi, “This is a proud moment for Indian Agricultural Science. Dr. Jat’s appointment is a recognition of his lifelong commitment to sustainable, science-led solutions for farmers.”

Strengthening Safety Preparedness: NDRF Conducts Training at BISA Ludhiana

Written by rpuri on . Posted in News.

By

Pardeep Sangwal, Station Manager, BISA, Ludhiana

The NDRF battalion with the BISA team at the BISA farm in Ludhiana.

At the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA), safety is not just a protocol—it is a priority. Taking a proactive step toward enhancing workplace safety and emergency preparedness, BISA Ludhiana successfully organized a comprehensive safety training session on April 10, 2025, in collaboration with the 13th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Building Resilience Through Practical Knowledge

The training was tailored to equip BISA’s field and support staff with critical life-saving skills and emergency awareness, covering:

  • First Aid Management, Emergency Response Procedures
  • Heat Stroke Management and High-Temperature Safety
  • Flood Preparedness and Risk Management

With temperatures soaring this summer season, special emphasis was placed on preventing and managing heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and exhaustion. The NDRF team provided staff with practical strategies to stay safe while working in open fields under extreme heat.

Given that BISA Ludhiana is situated along the banks of the Sutlej River, the training also featured a vital session on flood awareness, preparedness, and emergency response planning. Staff were sensitized to potential flood scenarios, evacuation strategies, and early warning signs—an essential knowledge area considering the site’s proximity to a flood-prone zone.

A Culture of Safety

Led by seasoned experts from the NDRF, the session included live demonstrations, interactive discussions, and mock drills to simulate emergency scenarios. The hands-on approach kept the participants engaged and helped them internalize best practices for workplace safety.

“It is encouraging to see an international agricultural institute like BISA taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of its field teams. Our goal is to help build local capacity so that individuals are prepared not just for daily risks, but also for natural disasters,” Lieutenant KD Bhatia, 13th Battalion, NRDF.

BISA expresses its sincere gratitude to Commandant Mr. S.D. Verma and the entire team from the 13th Battalion, NDRF, for their dynamic training, professionalism, and continued support. Their contributions have greatly strengthened our staff’s confidence in managing on-field and on-campus emergencies.

As an international research institute recognized by the Government of India under the United Nations (Privileges & Immunities) Act, 1947, BISA remains deeply committed to fostering a safe, resilient, and informed workplace.

Can AI Teach Farmers? Exploring the Brainpower of Chatbots.

Written by rpuri on . Posted in News.

By

Shubham Durgude

AI is reshaping agronomic advisories, with chatbots like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Gemini, and Julious assisting in crop planning, nutrient management, irrigation, and pest control. While they offer speed and data-driven insights, their accuracy and consistency remain questionable. To evaluate their reliability, we analyzed AI-generated crop calendars against standard agronomic practices, uncovering both strengths and shortcomings in AI-driven farm advisories.

AI-Powered Agronomy: How Reliable Are Chatbot Advisories?

While AI brings efficiency to agronomic advisories, its effectiveness remains debatable. While it serves as a useful decision-support tool, response fluctuations and irrigation scheduling gaps pose challenges. Nutrient management also lacks consistency, with some AI models failing to balance NPK applications properly. Pest and weed control strategies remain inconsistent, and some chatbots suggest planting windows misaligned with optimal agronomic conditions. The debate between technical depth vs. simplicity persists, some AI models provide detailed insights, while others lack precision. A hybrid AI-human model is the best approach, where AI enhances decision-making but doesn’t replace expert agronomists. Future improvements must integrate real-time climate, soil health, and site-specific farm data to unlock AI’s full potential in precision farming.

Fig: AI-Powered Agronomy: the various aspects

Key Insights: How AI Chatbots Compare to Standard Agronomy

AI chatbots were evaluated on sowing accuracy, nutrient balance, irrigation timing, weed control, and pest management, with Standard Agronomic Practices serving as the benchmark, achieving a perfect 10 across all parameters. Among AI models, DeepSeek performed best, closely aligning with standard agronomy in sowing accuracy, nutrient balance, and irrigation scheduling, though it lagged in weed and pest management. ChatGPT provided balanced yet somewhat generalized recommendations, excelling in sowing and nutrients but lacking specificity in pest control. Gemini was consistent but average across all categories, offering stable yet less detailed advisories. Julious ranked the lowest, struggling significantly with weed and pest management, making it the least reliable for agronomic decision-making. While AI chatbots deliver structured and fast recommendations, their advisories still require human verification for real-world application. Among them, DeepSeek is the most agronomically sound, while Julious needs substantial improvement to match agronomic precision.

Fig: Evaluation of ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Gemini, and Julious Against Standard Agronomic Practices

Sowing Date Variability: 

Sowing timing is critical in farming, but AI chatbots seem to have their own take on it! Just for example ChatGPT is an early bird, suggesting March 1, which could invite temperature stress. DeepSeek plays it safe, recommending March 15—right in line with agronomic best practices. Meanwhile, Gemini and Julious take their time—Gemini suggests April 1, while Julious lags behind at April 15, well past the comfort zone, where heat stress and higher water demand could impact yields. Standard agronomic practices recommend March 30, striking the perfect balance. DeepSeek comes closest to this, while others… well, let’s just say they might need a refresher in crop science!

Nutrient Management Gaps: 

AI-generated fertilizer recommendations are highly inconsistent, making nutrient management a gamble when relying solely on chatbots. Standard agronomic practices provide the most balanced NPK application, ensuring proper crop nutrition, but AI models vary widely—some overloading nitrogen while underapplying phosphorus and potassium, both essential for root development and grain filling. Among AI chatbots, DeepSeek is the most reliable, aligning closely with agronomic best practices. ChatGPT does fairly well but underestimates phosphorus and potassium, potentially limiting growth. Gemini underperforms across all nutrients, raising concerns about real-world applicability. Julious ranks the lowest, suggesting inadequate fertilizer doses, making it the least reliable for precision farming. Another key flaw, AI chatbots often skip split fertilizer applications, a crucial practice for nutrient efficiency, reduced leaching, and better crop uptake. Without proper nutrient timing, AI advisories risk lowering yield potential and increasing input inefficiency. While AI-powered tools provide quick and structured recommendations, they still lack the precision and agronomic depth needed for effective nutrient management. DeepSeek shows promise, but farmers and agronomists must carefully validate AI-generated advisories before implementing them in the field.

Fig: Comparison of AI Chatbot Fertilizer Split Applications vs. Standard Practices

Technical Depth & Response Stability: 

AI chatbots vary widely in response length and detail, creating challenges in agronomic advisories. ChatGPT is the most verbose, offering structured but sometimes overly generalized recommendations. DeepSeek maintains stability, balancing precision and readability, making it the most reliable for detailed advisories. Meanwhile, Gemini and Julious struggle with Conciseness, often omitting critical agronomic details, with Julious ranking the lowest, providing minimal, potentially incomplete guidance. Another concern, AI responses fluctuate over time, with the same query yielding different word counts on different days, raising questions about consistency and reliability.

Chatbots briefly

  • ChatGPT → Comprehensive but Overly Generalized
    Provides a structured crop calendar.
    Sometimes too generic, missing location-specific conditions.
  • DeepSeek → More Precise but Conservative
    Aligns better with traditional agronomy.
    Less adaptive to real-time scenarios.
  • Gemini → Data-Driven but Lacks Agronomic Logic
    Attempts to integrate scientific principles.
    Skips some essential field operations.
  • Julious → Fragmented and Inconsistent
    Includes diverse techniques.
    Major inconsistencies in scheduling, irrigation, and disease control.
  • Standard Practices Remain the Benchmark

While AI-generated advisories are fast and structured, their effectiveness depends on both depth and stability. DeepSeek strikes the best balance, but all AI models still require human oversight to ensure accuracy and field applicability.

Can AI Replace Agronomists?

AI chatbots offer structured agronomic planning but lack real-world precision, adaptability, and local context. They function best as decision-support tools, requiring human verification. DeepSeek aligns closest with standard practices, while ChatGPT provides detailed but sometimes vague responses. Gemini and Julious are less reliable, particularly in nutrient management and pest control. No AI model can replace expert agronomists, as they struggle with real-time decision-making and localized variability. Future advancements must integrate climate data, soil health, and site-specific conditions to improve AI-driven agronomic accuracy.

The Future of AI in Agricultural Advisory

AI is an enabler, not a replacement, in modern agriculture. A hybrid AI-human model ensures context-aware, real-time decision-making in precision farming. While AI chatbots enhance accessibility, agronomists remain indispensable for field-specific insights. Integrating localized data will make AI advisories more reliable, scalable, and practical for the future of precision agriculture.