Dear UPSC aspirants, today’s current affairs feature a revolutionary development that is crucial not only for the environment but also for agriculture. Ongoing research led by the Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS), Bhopal, has revealed that fly ash from thermal power plants is not just an environmental burden, but can also be an effective means to enhance agricultural productivity.

Fly Ash: From Industrial Waste to Agricultural Revolution

NTPC’s Ambitious 10-Year Project

The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) launched a decade-long scientific study on the use of fly ash in agriculture in 2021. This research, led by the Indian Institute of Soil Science, is being conducted at five major centers across the country: Bhopal, Jhansi, Bhubaneswar, Delhi, and Mohanpur (West Bengal).

Soil Diversity and Positive Results

The study examined the impact of fly ash on different soil types:

Bhopal: Black clayey soil (Vertisol)

Jhansi: Loamy soil

Bhubaneswar: Red-yellow laterite soil

Delhi and Mohanpur: Alluvial soil

Notably, areas with alluvial soil showed a significant increase in paddy yields.

Nutrients in Fly Ash: Nature’s Treasure

Presence of 16 Essential Nutrients

Fly ash contains a total of 16 nutrients essential for plant growth:

Major nutrients:

Phosphorus (P)

Calcium (Ca)

Potassium (K)

Magnesium (Mg)

Sulfur (S)

Micronutrients:

Iron (Fe)

Manganese (Mn)

Zinc (Zn)

Copper (Cu)

Boron (B)

Cobalt (Co)

Improvement in Soil Quality

Fly ash significantly improves the physical and chemical properties of soil:

pH Balance: Acts as a natural buffer for acidic soils

Water Retention Capacity: Increases soil’s ability to retain water

Silt Content: Especially increases silt in black clayey soils

Porosity: Improves soil porosity

Research Results: The Numbers Speak

Yield Increase by up to 30%

According to former NTPC DGM S.M. Chaubey, experiments conducted over two years near the Unchahar plant in Uttar Pradesh recorded up to a 30% increase in wheat and paddy yields. This growth was observed in various crops:

Wheat (Triticum aestivum): Up to 25% increase in production

Paddy: Maximum benefit in alluvial soils

Pulses: Notable improvement in chickpea

Vegetables: Higher yields in tomato, potato, onion

Economic Benefits for Farmers

Farmers using fly ash have seen the following economic benefits:

15–20% reduction in chemical fertilizer requirement

Significant reduction in input costs

Higher profit per acre

Improved long-term soil fertility

Status of Fly Ash in India

Production and Challenges

India currently produces about 226 million tonnes of fly ash annually, a figure that is steadily rising and reached 500 million tonnes by 2022–23. Main challenges include:

Disposal of massive quantities

Risk of environmental pollution

Negative impact on land and water resources

Lack of proper utilization technology

Contribution of CSIR-AMPRI Bhopal

CSIR-Advanced Material Process Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal, has been researching the agricultural use of fly ash since 1992. The institute has demonstrated successful applications at various thermal power stations across the country.

Fly Ash Soil Amendment Technology (FASAT)

Patented Technology by CSIR-CIMFR

CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR) has developed the patented Fly Ash Soil Amendment Technology (FASAT). Features of this technology:

Fly Ash: 80–95% by weight

Phosphatic Rock: 3–10% by weight

Potassium Chloride: 0.5–4.0% by weight

Urea: 0.5–5.0% by weight

Humic Acid: 0.3–1.0% by weight

Social Benefits

Key benefits of FASAT technology:

15–60% increase in crop production

Improvement in physical and chemical properties of soil

Enhanced nutritional quality of crops

Reduced pest infestation

Residual effect lasts 4–5 years

Impact of Fly Ash on Different Soils

Black Clayey Soil (Vertisol)

According to ongoing research in Bhopal, key issues with black clayey soil include:

Shrinking when dry and swelling when wet

Low water permeability

Hard structure

Adding fly ash results in:

Increased silt content

Improved soil structure

Balanced water retention

Improvement in Sandy Soil

Benefits of fly ash in sandy soils:

Increased water retention: from 0.38 to 0.53 cm/cm

Reduced nutrient loss

Improved soil structure stability

Future Prospects and Challenges

New Areas of Application

Future uses of fly ash:

In agriculture:

Special use for fiber crops

Cultivation of ornamental plants

Extensive use in horticultural crops

Support for organic farming

Environmental benefits:

Solution to dumping site problems

Reduced groundwater pollution

Lower carbon footprint

Development of sustainable agriculture

Precautions and Limitations

Necessary precautions in using fly ash:

Quantity control: Excess use (40–50%) can be harmful

Heavy metals monitoring: Regular testing required

Soil testing: Use according to local soil conditions

Long-term effects: Need for ongoing study

India in the Global Context

International Comparison

India ranks fourth globally in fly ash production:

Russia

USA

China

India

NTPC Initiatives

Major NTPC initiatives:

Export of fly ash to the Middle East and other regions

Transportation via railway networks

Collaboration with cement manufacturers

Annual production of 60 million fly ash bricks

Why this matters for your exam preparation

Importance for UPSC Environment and Ecology

Direct exam-related aspects:

Environmental pollution and solutions: Fly ash is an excellent example of industrial waste management and illustrates the principle of a circular economy.

Sustainable agriculture: This topic is directly linked to Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDGs 2, 6, 12, 15).

Soil science: Different soil types (Vertisol, Alluvial, Laterite) and their properties are key parts of UPSC Geography.

Current Affairs and Policy Implications:

Role of national institutions: Contribution of IISS Bhopal, NTPC, and CSIR institutes

Research and development: Importance of R&D in government policy

Farmer welfare: Reduced agricultural costs and increased productivity

Useful for Essay Writing:

The concept of "Waste to Wealth"

Balance between environment and economy

Practical application of scientific research

India’s technological capacity and innovation

Preparation for Mains Questions:

This topic is helpful for questions such as:

"Challenges and solutions in industrial waste management in India"

"Role of scientific innovation in increasing agricultural productivity"

"Synergy between environmental protection and economic development"

Prelims Facts:

Establishment of Indian Institute of Soil Science: 1988, Bhopal

Full form and status of NTPC

Types and distribution of different soils

Nutrients present in fly ash