Satna MP Ganesh Singh of the BJP has asked the Centre to start a pilot project that would recover fertilizer‑grade potash from Cement Kiln Dust (CKD) generated in the Satna cement cluster.
Key Developments
- Singh raised the issue under Rule 377 in the Lok Sabha on 31 July 2026.
- India imported about 4.2 million tonnes of MOP in 2023‑24, making farmers vulnerable to global price spikes.
- Singh cited a South Korean CO₂‑based technology that can separate heavy metals from CKD and yield potash suitable for agriculture.
- He urged the Ministries of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Environment to conduct a scientific feasibility study and launch a pilot with the CSIR, IITs, and the cement industry.
Important Facts
The Russia‑Ukraine war and sanctions on Belarus in 2022 pushed global potash prices up sharply, increasing the cost burden on Indian farmers. CKD, if left untreated, is classified as hazardous waste because of its heavy‑metal content, leading to environmental pollution. Converting CKD into potash aligns with the Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Waste to Wealth objectives.
Exam Relevance
This proposal touches on several UPSC syllabus areas: the role of Parliament and procedural rules (GS2), India’s import‑dependence on critical agricultural inputs and price volatility (GS3), environmental management of industrial waste (GS3), and the government’s flagship programmes aimed at self‑reliance and indigenous technology development (GS3). Understanding the interplay between agriculture, industry, and environmental policy is essential for answering questions on sustainable development and resource security.
Way Forward
The Centre should commission a detailed techno‑economic study, involving CSIR and IITs, to assess the viability of the Korean technology at Indian scale. If feasible, a pilot plant in Satna can demonstrate cost‑effectiveness, reduce CKD disposal issues, and lower fertilizer import bills. Successful pilots could be replicated in other cement clusters, creating a new domestic source of potash and contributing to farmer welfare and environmental protection.