To bring about an industrial revolution in the state, the Bihar government will soon encourage people to produce ethanol on a large scale. The Bihar government is trying to elevate the state as an ethanol hub in the country.
A meeting was held under the leadership of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in which discussions were held regarding setting up of ethanol production unit, restoration of closed sugar mills, and other possible industries in the state. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that he had sought approval from the Central Government for the production of ethanol in Bihar in 2006 itself, but the Central Government at that time rejected his proposal. Now the central government of Prime Minister Modi has approved his proposal to produce ethanol in the state.
Select Farmers to Gain from Ethanol Production in Bihar
After the approval of ethanol production by the central government, the farmers who grow corn, sugar cane, sorghum, sugar beets in the state are expected to gain a lot because these crops are used to produce ethanol. Ethanol can also be produced from grasses, trees and other agricultural and forestry residues like rice straw, wood chips etc.
Ethanol Production in Bihar is quite low
As per a Hindustan Times report, Bihar produces around 65-75 kilo litre of Ethanol per day that is currently supplied to the oil companies. These Ethanol is produced by distilleries in Gopalganj and Jandaha in Vaishali District.
In the latest Industrial Investment Policy (i.e. Bihar Industrial Investment Policy 2016) the state government has made provisions of easy clearance of projects, tax reliefs, and land availability for the Investors wants to produce Ethanol in the state.
Central Government to buy all the Ethanol
Just a few days ago, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also requested the Bihar government to set up 100 ethanol factories in the state. He said that the central government will buy all the ethanol produced by the state.
