*10th Feb, 2025* *News of the Day* *Discovery of potash reserves in Rajasthan and Punjab* *Introduction* Punjab Mining Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said the government will explore potash mining in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts, where surveys previously detected large mineral reserves in three mining blocks. Surveys of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have also identified reserves in parts of Rajasthan’s Ganganagar and Hanumangarh Districts. These findings highlight the potential for potash mining in both states, reducing India’s dependence on imports and bolstering the domestic fertilizer industry. India imports 50 lakh tonnes of potash annually, primarily used in fertilisers and industries. *What is potash?* Potash refers to potassium-bearing minerals that are primarily used in fertilisers. Over 90% of potash is used as fertilizer and it is one of the three primary agricultural nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium or N-P-K). *Where were potash reserves found?* Punjab is now the second state after Rajasthan to have significant potash reserves. The three mining blocks with potash reserves — Kabarwala (Muktsar Sahib), Sherewala and Ramsara (Fazilka) and Shergarh and Dalmir Khera (Fazilka) — are spread over nearly 18 square kilometres. In Rajasthan, potash deposits were mainly found in the northwestern Nagaur-Ganganagar basin, including the Ganganagar and Hanumangarh districts that border Fazilka and Muktsar. Relevance: GS Prelims; Geography Source: Indian Express Download the Complete Daily Current Affairs Pdf https://www.prepmate.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/News-Juice-10th-February-2025.pdf