Identify one agro-based and one mineral-based industry in your area and answer: What are the raw materials they use? What are the other inputs in the process of manufacturing that involve transportation cost? Are these factories following environmental norms?

Model Answer & Options

Source: Textbook

(Note: This answer is based on the Nashik region of Maharashtra and should be adapted by the student for their locality.)

1. Agro-based Industry: Sugar Mill

  • Raw Materials: The primary raw material is sugarcane, sourced from local farms.
  • Other Inputs with Transport Cost: Other inputs include lime and sulphur dioxide for purification, and the transportation of the final products (sugar, molasses, and bagasse) to markets.
  • Environmental Norms: These factories often face scrutiny. While many have effluent treatment plants, the large volume of wastewater (press mud and molasses) can sometimes lead to water pollution if not managed correctly.

2. Mineral-based Industry: Steel Fabrication Unit

  • Raw Materials: The main raw materials are steel sheets, pipes, and angles, which are sourced from major steel plants.
  • Other Inputs with Transport Cost: Welding gases (like oxygen and acetylene), electricity (a major cost), paints, and the transportation of finished fabricated products like gates, trusses, and industrial equipment to construction sites.
  • Environmental Norms: These units generally have a lower environmental impact than large industries, but issues can arise from noise pollution and improper disposal of paint and solvent waste.

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