Why the discovery of potash reserves in Punjab is significant

First, what is potash?

Potash refers to potassium-bearing minerals that are chiefly utilized successful fertilisers. Over 90% of potash is utilized arsenic fertilizer and it is 1 of the 3 superior cultivation nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium oregon N-P-K). According to the authoritative Indian Minerals Yearbook for 2021, “Potash tin beryllium utilized connected each plants to boost works wellness and nutrition arsenic good arsenic to summation harvest yields. While each potash fertilizers incorporate potassium determination are a fig of antithetic forms successful which it exists.”

Among these forms is Sulphate of Potash (SOP), a premium potash fertilizer that is escaped of chloride (a compound considered harmful to plants). On the different hand, Muriate of Potash oregon MOP contains immoderate chloride. While SOP is utilized chiefly connected high-value crops, usually leafy plants, fruits and vegetables, MOP is commonly utilized connected carbohydrate-type crops, specified arsenic wheat.

Goyal said astatine a property conference, “India imports 50 lakh tonnes of potash annually, chiefly utilized successful fertilisers and industries.”

Where were potash reserves found?

Punjab is present the 2nd authorities aft Rajasthan to person important potash reserves. The 3 mining blocks with potash reserves — Kabarwala (Muktsar Sahib), Sherewala and Ramsara (Fazilka) and Shergarh and Dalmir Khera (Fazilka) — are dispersed implicit astir 18 quadrate kilometres.

In Rajasthan, potash deposits were chiefly recovered successful the northwestern Nagaur-Ganganagar basin, including the Ganganagar and Hanumangarh districts that borderline Fazilka and Muktsar. The GSI carried retired extended explorations betwixt 1974 and 1991, crossed districts specified arsenic Nagaur, Churu and Bikaner.

Later, exploration, opening successful 2017, pointed to deposits successful Punjab. However, contempt having important reserves, exploration and extraction person been delayed. So far, India has not engaged successful potash mining. According to the National Mineral Inventory (NMI) database, the full potash resources are estimated astatine 23,091 cardinal tonnes successful 2020. Rajasthan unsocial contributes 89% to the full resources. After archetypal explorations, the mines section decided to spell for a quality, quantity and commercialized feasibility survey of minerals astatine that clip to get clarity astir the assets and its availability.

Why are potash reserves yet to beryllium mined successful Punjab?

In 2019, the GSI discovered potash deposits successful 2 districts of Punjab that were located astir 450 metres beneath the surface. The GSI’s reconnaissance survey during 2018-19 successful the Satluj basin, portion of the Indo-Gangetic alluvial plain, confirmed the beingness of potash-bearing zones.

Some farmers from Muktsar and Fazilka judge their onshore volition beryllium acquired for mining reserves and person protested against immoderate mining to beryllium done successful the future. In response, the curate said nary onshore acquisition volition happen. “Potash volition beryllium extracted utilizing an precocious drilling strategy with zero interaction connected onshore ownership. Additionally, the authorities is conducting a thorough biology and societal interaction appraisal earlier starting operations,” Goyal said.

He besides pointed to the apt benefits, saying potash mining successful Punjab volition make caller employment opportunities and thrust determination economical development. However, farmers person asked for a written assurance regarding their land.

Although the cardinal authorities has the auctioning rights for minerals, states person royalties upon their extraction. According to sources, the Kabarwala artifact has reached the auctioning stage, with the Punjab authorities approving mining. Once the cardinal authorities completes the auctioning process, extraction tin commence. However, until the farmers are convinced, the task is improbable to proceed further.