Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is taking steps to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, and sugarcane by-products have played a vital role in this, reported Live Mint.
He highlighted the use of sugarcane bagasse, a renewable resource, in manufacturing the cups, plates, bowls, and spoons for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
“The use of these biodegradable utensils made from sugarcane bagasse at the Ram Mandir ceremony exemplifies the expanding applications of these by-products in our daily lives,” PM Modi remarked.
He acknowledged India’s current dependence on imported potash but emphasized ongoing efforts to minimize this need through the use of sugarcane bagasse.
Highlighting India’s dedication to biofuels and environmental protection, PM Modi pointed out that sugarcane farmers have benefited significantly from the increased focus on ethanol blending, receiving over ₹1 trillion in the past decade..
“If I had announced ₹1 trillion to farmers in advance through any government scheme, it would have made headlines in the media and even caught your attention. But my focus is on a more permanent solution to the issues sugarcane farmers face, than making headlines,” he said.
The PM also mentioned the government’s investment of ₹40,000 crore in ethanol distilleries, which has generated substantial employment opportunities.
“We are rapidly reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and sugarcane by-products have been instrumental in this process. Sugarcane bagasse has also contributed to a rise in electricity generation. The country’s production capacity for sugarcane bagasse and biomass cogeneration plants is constantly being expanded,” he said.
In addition, he addressed ethanol blending and its role in advancing the government’s sustainability initiatives.
“We successfully achieved the target of blending up to 10% ethanol in petrol five months ago. Currently, the blending rate has risen to approximately 12%, and we are making good progress towards our objective of reaching 20% ethanol blending,” stated PM Modi.
