Which mineral’s production and consumption is regarded as the index of a country’s development ? What is the rank of India among the world crude steel producers ? Why is the per capital consumption of steel so low in India ?
(1) Production and consumption of steel is often regarded as the index of a country’s development. (2) India produces 32.8 millon tons of steel. It ranks ninth among the world crude steel producers. It is the largest producer of sponge iron. (3) In spite of large quantity of production of steel, per capital consumption per anum is only 32 kg. The reasons for the low consumption of steel are as mentioned below : Lack of domestic market for steel in India. Most of the steel is produced for international market. High costs of steel because modern and cost effective technologies for steel production are not utilised due to lack of infrastructure. Nearly % of Indian population live in villages which require very small quantities of steel. To carry steel to some areas is difficult because of improper means of transport. Low developed remote areas are not in need of steel.
