Why in News? 

A study by IIT Kharagpur has revealed that surface ozone pollution is severely affecting major food crops, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and central India. 

What is Ozone Pollution? 

• Ground Level Ozone: It is a secondary pollutant, formed by a chemical reaction between: 
  • Nitrogen oxides 
  • Volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight. 
• High-Level Ozone: Present in the stratosphere; absorbs harmful UV radiation and is beneficial. 

Effects of Surface Ozone Pollution: 

• Causes smog formation 
• Damages crop and affects human health 
• Contributes to reduced agricultural yield