Correct Answer :   IIT Mandi

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi have developed smart biodegradable microgels to make agricultural practices more sustainable and minimise adverse impact caused by use of insecticides and agrochemicals.

* The research has been published in the "Carbohydrate Polymers" journal.

* According to officials, modern agriculture relies heavily on application of various agrochemicals such as insecticides, herbicides, and fertilisers on crops to meet the demand of food for the growing population.

* These agrochemicals are excessively used in the fields to compensate their loss via leaching, degradation, rain fall, evaporation, dust drift etc. The frequent use of such agrochemicals results in high cost and causes adverse effect on environment, including both groundwater and soil and human health," Garima Agrawal, Assistant Professor, School of Chemical Sciences, IIT Mandi told.

* "The main objective of this research is to develop sustainable farming practices that can minimise the adverse environmental impact of currently prevalent agricultural practices involving excessive use of agrochemicals. These chemicals when frequently applied to the fields, affect the quality of the soil. Additionally, these excessive agrochemicals slowly percolate through the soil and contaminate the groundwater also," she said..

Source : The Hindu Businessline