Government to Explore Potash Mining in Punjab’s Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib Districts

Government to Explore Potash Mining in Punjab’s Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib Districts

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified potash reserves in Rajasthan, indicating a potential opportunity to reduce India’s reliance on imports.

About Potash:

• Definition: Potash is a mixture of potassium carbonate and potassium (K) salts.
• Principal Ore: Sylvinite.

Uses of Potash:

• Agriculture: Over 90% of potash is used as a fertilizer, making it one of the three key nutrients in agriculture, alongside nitrogen and phosphorus, collectively known as N-P-K. The ideal nutrient ratio for optimal plant growth is 4:2:1 (N:P:K).
• Water Purification: Potash alum is used to remove water hardness and has antibacterial properties.
• Other Industrial Uses: It is used in manufacturing glass, ceramics, soaps, detergents, explosives, and more.

Common Types of Potash Fertilizers:

• Sulphate of Potash (SOP)
• Muriate of Potash (MOP)

Potash Derived from Molasses (PDM): A 100% indigenous fertilizer available under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme.

Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS): The NBS scheme provides fertilizer subsidies to farmers based on the actual nutrient content (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).

Potash Classified as a Critical Mineral: Under the "Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment (MMDR) Act, 2023."

Economic Status of Potash in India:

• Deposits: Potash reserves are primarily found in Rajasthan (89%), with smaller deposits in Madhya Pradesh (5%) and Uttar Pradesh (4%).
• Import: India currently relies entirely on imports to meet its potash needs (Indian Mineral Yearbook 2022).

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