With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
- Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
- Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Smart Elimination
Resource efficiency logic: If a by-product (biomass) is not toxic, it can be used for energy. Science implies ""Waste to Wealth"". All options are likely correct.
or
Fertilizer production usually requires Natural Gas/Naphtha. Molasses is sugar-based (carbon), used for fermentation (alcohol). Statement 2 is chemically inconsistent with standard industrial practices.
Potential Trap
Confusing Bagasse with Molasses uses.
Answer Key & Explanation
Answer: CThe correct answer is Option C.
Analysis:
- Bagasse: The fibrous residue left after crushing sugarcane. It is widely used as biomass fuel for electricity generation (cogeneration) and for making paper. (Correct)
- Molasses: A viscous by-product of refining sugarcane. It is primarily used for alcohol/ethanol production. It is not typically used as a feedstock for synthetic chemical fertilizers (which usually require natural gas/naphtha). (Incorrect)
- Molasses for Ethanol: Yes, molasses is the main raw material for the production of ethanol (alcohol). (Correct)
Value Addition
- Ethanol Blending: Government of India is promoting Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme to reduce crude oil imports.
- Press Mud: Another byproduct, used as manure.
Topic Trend (2011-2025)
Visualize the frequency of this topic across past year papers. Click on any bar to see questions.
Foundational question based on core concepts.