Pune: In order to substitute India’s import of petroleum as a fuel and to provide direct benefits to farmers, government is working with Auto Manufacturers to expedite the manufacturing of flex fuel vehicles. Many industry experts believe that it is a right time for the sector to encash the opportunity.
Amid increasing ethanol production in the country, Narendra Murkumbi, MD of Ravindra Energy, said that the upcoming 10 years are the golden period for the sector. He was speaking at the two-day state-level sugar conclave organized at Manjri, Pune.
During his presentation, Murkumbi emphasised on rising ethanol production and its benefit. He said that the production of Flex fuel car is vital in the country. It is widely used in Brazil. Earlier, the auto industry was not keen in Flex fuel car manufacturing, and the government also did not encourage it back then because of lower ethanol production. Now, it is promoting the ethanol production at a larger scale. And working on achieving 20 per cent ethanol blending target by 2025. We have huge market. That is why I am recommending to set up ethanol plants.
Murkumbi said, “Looking at all circumstances, upcoming 10 years are the golden period for the sector.”
In two-day conclave the sugar industry deliberated on various issues sector is facing and the way forward.
During the conclave, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had stated that I will ask auto makers Bajaj TVS and Hero to start scooter-auto in Pune that runs completely on ethanol. He stressed upon the need to focus on ethanol production as it will not help to reduce the dependence on import on crude oil but will also make environment pollution free. Efforts are also on to introduce ethanol in construction and agriculture equipment.
