Consider the following statements: Statement-I: At present, India imports all of its required potash for fertilizers. Statement-II: India lacks sufficient reserves of nitrogen and phosphorus, which are crucial components in fertilizer production. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? |ForumIAS

Q. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: At present, India imports all of its required potash for fertilizers.
Statement-II: India lacks sufficient reserves of nitrogen and phosphorus, which are crucial components in fertilizer production.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

[A] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

[B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

[C] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

[D] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: C

Notes:

Explanation –

Statement-I is correct: India imports all of its required potash for fertilizers due to a lack of commercially viable domestic reserves.

Statement-II is incorrect: India has sufficient reserves of nitrogen and phosphorus. It’s the potash that’s the limiting factor in terms of domestic fertilizer production.

More information – India is the second-highest consumer of fertilisers after China. Potash derived from molasses (PDM) is a potassium rich fertilizer that is produced as a by-product of the sugar-based ethanol industry. It is derived from the ash generated during the distillation process in molasses-based distilleries. The government has allowed sugar mills to sell potash from molasses (PDM) to fertilizer companies. This assists mills in earning additional revenue and qualifying for nutrient-based subsidies.

Source: Forum IAS

Post-Mains Strategy Session by Mr. Ayush Sinha | ForumIAS