Q. With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
  2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
  3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

  • 1 only
  • 2 and 3 only
  • 1 and 3 only
  • 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Bagasse :
  • The remnant left after extracting the juice of the sugarcane or sorghum is known as bagasse. It is a dry pulpy fibrous material.
  • The name is derived from the French word ‘bagage’ and the Spanish word ‘bagazo’ which means refuse or trash.

Uses of Bagasse:

  • As a Fuel – It is used for the generation of heat energy and electricity. The sugar mills use it as their primary fuel source, as it generates sufficient energy to fully power a sugar mill. Ethanol produced from it is also used as a popular fuel in some countries.
  • In the production of Pulp, Paper, and Board – In many countries like India, China, Thailand, etc. it substitutes wood to produce pulp, paper, and board.
  • To Feed Cattle – it can be used as cattle feed when mixed with molasses and enzymes and then fermenting.
Bagasse
Molasses :
  • It is the thick syrup that results from the refining of sugarcane or sugar beets into sugar.
  • it contains a good amount of vitamin B6 and minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese.

Uses of Molasses:

  • Sugarcane molasses is primarily used to sweeten and flavour foods.
  • Molasses is a major constituent of fine commercial brown sugar.
  • In baking and cooking
  • Producing ethanol and is the prime ingredient in the distillation of rum and brewing beer
  • As a cattle feed