TNPSC Thervupettagam

Potash derived from molasses

March 8 , 2024 123 days 181 0
  • The Sugar mills can now sell potash derived from molasses (PDM) to fertiliser companies to earn additional revenue.
  • And also, they can receive nutrient-based subsidies on it.
  • PDM, a potassium-rich fertiliser, is a by-product of the sugar-based ethanol industry.
  • It is derived from ash in molasses-based distilleries.
  • India currently imports 100% of the potash it needs for fertilisers, in the form of muriate of potash (MOP).
  • Distilleries produce a waste chemical called spent wash during ethanol production, which is burned to produce ash.
  • This ash can be processed to produce PDM, which has 14.5% potash content.
  • This can be used by farmers as an alternative to MOP, which is 60% potash.

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