evidence: Leaf Colour Chart (LCC) based N application enhanced yield by 10.3-13.3% and 9.9-10.9% over conventionally applied urea (RDF urea) in direct seeded (DSR) and transplanted rice (PTR), respectively. Yield enhancement with neem coated urea (NCU) when applied conventionally was 7.1-13.4% and 6.8- 10.0% respectively. Whereas NCU when applied on the basis of LCC, the yield enhancement over conventionally applied urea was 21.2-22.9% and 14.6-15.9% respectively for DSR and PTR. [...] As compared to conventionally applied urea, LCC based urea reduced NO₃ - N leaching by 29.8% in direct seeded aerobic rice. Neem coated urea could reduce NO₃ - N leaching by 18.6% as compared to urea when applied conventionally. Whereas NCU when applied on the basis of LCC recommendation the extent to reduction was as high as 39.8%. [...] If all the farmers use Leaf Colour Chart (LCC) in Rice and other Crops in India on a consistent basis, the savings of Subsidy on Urea for the Central and State Governments and the savings on the cost of purchasing Urea for the farmers amounts to INR. 18000 Crores per year approximately.