Sulphuric Acid Plant (SAP-III)

Why in News?

Recently, Union Home and Cooperation Minister, dedicated the Sulphuric Acid Plant (SAP-III) of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) Odisha, to the nation during his visit to Odisha.

• Sulphuric Acid (H₂SO₄) – It is a colourless, odourless, oily and highly corrosive liquid, widely manufactured as an important industrial chemical.
• Uses – It serves as a key raw material for fertilizer production and is extensively used in petroleum refining, metal processing, and chemical manufacturing.

Sulphuric Acid Plant (SAP-III)

• Established at – The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) complex facility in Paradip, Odisha.
• Aim – To strengthen fertiliser production infrastructure and improve efficiency in chemical processing operations.
• Capacity – The new plant has a daily production capacity of 2,000 Metric Tonnes (MT).

Sulphuric acid is a key precursor and foundational raw material in the production of phosphate fertilizers, including DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate) and various NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) fertilizers.

• Vision – Under the "Sahkar se Samriddhi" (Prosperity through Cooperation) vision.
• Advantage – Paradip is a deep-water natural port on the east coast.
• For fertiliser plants, the proximity to a major port is critical for the cost-effective import of raw materials like Rock Phosphate and Elemental Sulphur.
• Significance – Reduce import dependency & strengthen local production of Sulphuric Acid.

Reference

PIB | Sulphuric Acid Plant (SAP-III)