India may reshape the global potash market

Huge deposits of potassium salts are identified in the state of Rajasthan, the largest in India. It is expected that their development will reduce India’s dependence on imports of potash fertilizers, mainly potassium chloride.

“Geological studies have confirmed that there are reserves of around 2,400 million tonnes of potash deposits in Nagore-Ganganagar basin of Rajasthan..,” said Rajasthan Chief Secretary D.B. Gupta.

Mr Gupta said that from 2013-14 to 2018-19 around 5 million tonnes of potash per year has been imported to India and its demand is increasing at the rate of 6-7% per annum causing commensurate growth in the import bill.

The development of potash deposits in Rajasthan can turn India from an importer to an exporter.

The Rajasthan state authorities are now planning to establish a State Mineral Exploration Trust to explore and develop the region’s mineral deposits.

Fertilizer Daily Note: Russia and Belarus are currently the largest exporters of potash fertilizers to India. If industrial production of potash salts with their subsequent processing and export abroad is established in India, this could become a game changer to the global potash market.

Source: The Navhind Times