NEWS – Potash reserves have been found in three blocks of the southwestern districts of Punjab, and the state govt has given its consent for exploration.

HIGHLIGHTS

What is Potash?

• Potassium-bearing minerals, primarily used in fertilizers.
• Essential agricultural nutrient (N-P-K).
• Different forms:
  • Sulphate of Potash (SOP): Premium, chloride-free, used for high-value crops.
  • Muriate of Potash (MOP): Contains chloride, used for carbohydrate crops.

Potash Reserves in India

• Punjab: Significant reserves found in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts (Kabarwala, Sherewala, Ramsara, Shergarh, Dalmir Khera blocks).
• Rajasthan: Deposits found in Nagaur-Ganganagar basin.
• National Mineral Inventory (NMI): Estimated total potash resources at 23,091 million tonnes (2020), Rajasthan contributing 89%.

Current Status and Challenges

• India imports 50 lakh tonnes of potash annually.
• Punjab reserves discovered in 2019, approximately 450 meters below surface.
• Challenges:
  • Farmer concerns about land acquisition.
  • Need for environmental and social impact assessment.
  • Auctioning process by the central government.

Potential Benefits

• Reduced import dependence for potash.
• Boost to domestic fertilizer industry.
• New employment opportunities.
• Regional economic development.

Way Forward

• Government assurance to farmers regarding land ownership.
• Thorough environmental and social impact assessment.
• Expedited auctioning process by the central government.
• Addressing farmer concerns to proceed with extraction.