UPSC Prelims 2013 Q13: Indian Economy – Agriculture & Rural Development
With reference to the usefulness of the by - products of the sugar industry, which of the
following statements is/are correct?
1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical
fertilizers.
3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
By-products of the sugar industry
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy | Correct | Burnt in boilers for co-generation of power in sugar mills |
| 2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers | Incorrect | Molasses is not a fertilizer feedstock |
| 3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol | Correct | Fermented into ethanol for liquor, industry and petrol blending |
By-products and their uses:
| By-product | Use |
|---|---|
| Bagasse | Fuel, paper, particle board |
| Molasses | Ethanol, rum, cattle feed |
| Press mud | Organic manure, biogas |
India's Ethanol Blended Petrol programme depends largely on sugarcane molasses.
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also true: molasses gives ethanol.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; molasses does not make synthetic chemical fertilizers.
- (c) CORRECT. Bagasse is a biomass fuel, and molasses gives ethanol.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false.
Key point
Sugar by-products: bagasse (fuel, paper), molasses (ethanol, liquor), press mud (organic manure). Ethanol blending relies on molasses.
Remember
Bagasse = fuel; molasses = ethanol.
Common mistakes
- Confusing press mud (organic manure) with synthetic fertilizer from molasses.
- Not knowing that mills generate power from bagasse.
- Forgetting the link between molasses and ethanol blending.
Exam tip
Bagasse burns; molasses ferments; press mud goes to the field.
Sources
- Department of Food and Public Distribution — Sugar and by-products
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas — Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme