Indian Govt Pushes for Farmers to Become 'Urjadata' by Adopting Energy Producing Crops for Ethanol Production

In a recent rally at Pratapgarh, Rajasthan, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the government's vision to recognize farmers not only as 'annadata' or food producers but also as 'urjadata' or energy producers. The aim is to empower farmers to produce ethanol, which will be used as fuel for all vehicles, leading to a significant reduction in pollution and fuel imports.

Gadkari emphasized that by blending an average of 60 percent ethanol and 40 percent electricity, fuel costs could be brought down to Rs 15 per litre, benefiting the general populace. The move is also expected to reduce India's dependence on imported fossil fuels and redirect Rs 16 lakh crores towards farmers' homes if they adopt energy-producing crops for ethanol production.

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India's National Policy on Biofuels and Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme targets achieving a blending of 20 percent ethanol in petrol (E20) by 2025-26. As of June 2022, the country has already achieved an average ethanol blend rate of 10 percent in petrol, as per the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.

As the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Gadkari emphasized the importance of transitioning from hydrocarbon fuels to ethanol-based fuels. He further outlined the government's efforts to introduce ethanol in agricultural and construction machinery.

The shift towards ethanol production is expected to not only reduce environmental pollution but also increase farmers' income and stimulate economic growth. By encouraging farmers to become energy producers, the government envisions a sustainable and self-reliant energy future for India.

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