Question

What is Bagasse? What is it used for?
a. Sugarcane waste – used as to make paper
b. Biogas – used as fuel
c. Liquid waste – used as fertilizer
d. Vermi compost – used as fertilizer

Answer 1

Hint: Bagasse is the residual sugarcane fibres obtained after sugarcane is crushed to obtain its juice. It acts as a source of energy. It is also used to produce paper, disposable food containers and building materials.

Complete answer:
- The residual sugarcane fibres from the sugarcane industry lead to the production of bagasse. Bagasse serves as a fuel and acts as an essential source of energy in the sugarcane industry. It is used to produce heat and electricity in sugar mills. Other than that, it is used to produce paper, disposable food containers and as a cattle feed.
- Biogas is produced from raw materials obtained from agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, food waste or green waste. It is a mixture of gases that is produced by the anaerobic (absence of oxygen) breakdown of organic matter. It primarily consists of carbon dioxide and methane.
- Liquid waste is liquid from different sources which include wastewater, oils or grease, fats and sludges. These liquids are potential threats to both marine and terrestrial life.
- Vermicompost is a mixture produced by the decomposition activity of worms (earthworms, white worms, red wigglers etc.) on food or vegetable waste, bedding materials and vermicast. They are economically important as fertilizers.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Bagasse is the pulpy dry fibrous residue that remains behind after sugarcane is crushed to extract their juice. It is used as a biofuel for the production of energy, electricity and heat, manufacturing of pulp and building materials. They are often known as a “Green” power house.