Correct Option
Statement 1 is correct. Bagasse is the fibrous residue remaining after sugarcane is crushed to extract its juice. It is extensively utilized as a biomass fuel, especially in cogeneration plants within sugar mills, to produce electricity and steam. This contributes to the energy self-sufficiency of the sugar industry.
Statement 3 is correct. Molasses serves as a key raw material for the production of ethanol. The sugar content in molasses undergoes fermentation by microorganisms, converting it into alcohol. This alcohol is subsequently distilled to yield ethanol, which finds applications in biofuels, alcoholic beverages, and pharmaceutical industries.
Incorrect Options
Statement 2 is incorrect. Molasses is not used as a feedstock for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers. Synthetic chemical fertilizers are primarily formulated from concentrated sources of macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). While molasses contains some trace minerals, it does not provide these essential macronutrients in quantities significant for synthetic fertilizer manufacturing.
Option (a) is incorrect as it omits Statement 3, which is correct.
Option (b) is incorrect as it includes Statement 2, which is incorrect.
Option (d) is incorrect as it includes Statement 2, which is incorrect.