Alternative Fuels to Drive India’s Leadership in Automobile Sector: Gadkari

Quick Summary

• union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that India aims to secure the top position globally in the automobile sector through research and innovation in alternative fuels such as ethanol, hydrogen, methanol, and bio-diesel.
• Speaking at an event marking World Biofuel Day’s 10th anniversary organized by Praj Industries in Pune, Gadkari emphasized that alternative fuels would drive socio-economic benefits including reduced pollution, increased employment, and improved energy independence.
• India’s current fossil fuel imports total ₹22 lakh crore annually. Gadkari stressed transitioning from an importer to an exporter of energy.
• He highlighted agriculture’s low contribution (12-14%) to GDP despite supporting 60-65% of India’s population and proposed diversifying agriculture into energy production for economic growth.
• The minister cited positive outcomes from ethanol policies such as higher crop prices for farmers (e.g., corn prices doubling in Bihar/U.P.) and timely payments for sugarcane cultivators. Ethanol has helped revitalize industries like Maharashtra’s sugar sector.

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