Q. With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements:
1.At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.
2.Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.
3.Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer : b) 2 and 3 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Government Control of Fertilizer Prices
At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government. However, this statement is incorrect for India. The government plays a significant role in controlling the prices of chemical fertilizers through subsidies.
The government fixes the maximum retail prices (MRP) of several essential fertilizers, including urea, and provides subsidies to manufacturers to sell fertilizers at below-market rates to farmers. This is done to ensure that fertilizers are affordable for farmers, thereby promoting agricultural productivity.
Ammonia Production from Natural Gas
Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas. This statement is correct. Ammonia synthesis on an industrial scale primarily relies on the Haber-Bosch process, which uses natural gas (methane) as a primary feedstock.
Natural gas is reformed into hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and the hydrogen is then used with nitrogen to produce ammonia. This process is energy-intensive but is the most common method due to the availability of natural gas.
Sulphur as a By-Product of Oil Refineries
Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries. This statement is also correct. Sulphur is indeed a by-product of the oil refining process, as well as of coal processing and the smelting of mineral ores.
When these raw materials are processed, sulphur is removed and collected because it is considered an impurity. The collected sulphur is then purified and sold, among other uses, for the production of sulphuric acid, which is a key ingredient in the manufacture of phosphoric acid fertilizers.
