Which of the following statements correctly describe the fertilizer industry in India?
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India has achieved self-sufficiency in potash-based fertilizers.
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Urea is the major nitrogenous fertilizer produced in the country.
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Fertilizer output witnessed a significant rise after the Green Revolution.
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States like Gujarat and Kerala play a comparatively minor role in fertilizer production.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. 2 and 3 only.
The correct statements describing the fertilizer industry in India are: Urea is the major nitrogenous fertilizer produced in the country and Fertilizer output witnessed a significant rise after the Green Revolution.
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Urea is the major nitrogenous fertilizer produced in the country: This is correct. Urea (46% Nitrogen) is the most dominant and commonly used nitrogenous fertilizer, accounting for the largest share of both domestic production and consumption due to its subsidized price.
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Fertilizer output witnessed a significant rise after the Green Revolution: This is correct. The agricultural reforms under the Green Revolution, which promoted High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of seeds, created a massive demand for synthetic fertilizers, driving the subsequent expansion of domestic production capacity.
Why the Other Statements are Incorrect:
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India has achieved self-sufficiency in potash-based fertilizers: This is incorrect. India is highly dependent on imports for Potash (K) fertilizers, as it has almost no economically exploitable indigenous reserves. India has achieved near self-sufficiency only in Urea (Nitrogen) production, but is still import-dependent for Phosphatic (P) fertilizers as well.
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States like Gujarat and Kerala play a comparatively minor role in fertilizer production: This is incorrect. Gujarat is one of the most significant contributors to India's fertilizer output, housing major plants due to its extensive gas pipeline network and port facilities. Kerala, however, is a minor producer.