Gadkari Calls on Sugar Mills to Produce CBG Amidst Rising Fuel Import Costs

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has urged sugar mills to diversify their operations by focusing on the production of value-added by-products. He emphasized the importance of expanding into sectors such as compressed bio-gas (CBG), ethanol, bio-manure, and sustainable aviation fuel.

This initiative aims to enhance the profitability of sugar mills while also contributing to environmental sustainability and energy security in India. The production of ethanol, which can be derived from sugarcane, is particularly significant as it aligns with the governments commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy sources.

Furthermore, bio-manure has the potential to improve soil health and crop yields, benefiting farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole. Sustainable aviation fuel derived from bio-based feedstocks seeks to reduce the aviation industrys reliance on fossil fuels, thereby mitigating its environmental impact.

The governments push for sugar mills to explore these avenues is part of a broader strategy to stimulate the rural economy and promote the circular economy by maximizing the use of agricultural resources. The sugar industry, one of Indias key agricultural sectors, is being encouraged to innovate and adapt to changing market dynamics and environmental challenges.