Sugar mills to sell potassium from molasses at Rs 4,263 per tonne: Govt

Sugar mills will sell potassium derived from molasses, called PDM, at Rs 4,263 per tonne to fertiliser companies in the current year, Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said on Thursday.
The mutually agreed rate was facilitated by the food and fertiliser ministries, he said.
PDM, a potassium-rich fertilizer derived from ash in molasses-based distilleries, is a by-product of the sugar-based ethanol industry.
Briefing the media, the Secretary said, “India depends on imports for potash. This will augment potash availability in the country. This is a win-win for all stakeholders.”
This decision was pending for a long time due to the lack of understanding between fertiliser companies and sugar mills. Finally, they have come to an agreement on the price, he said.
The Secretary further noted that PDM manufacturers can also claim a subsidy at Rs 345 per tonne under the Nutrients-Based Subsidy Scheme (NBS) of the Department of Fertilizers.
Now, both sugar mills and fertilizer companies are …