Need to Boost Biofuel Production to Reduce Dependence on Import of Crude Oil and Fuel Gases: Nitin Gadkari

(Economic Times) Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday stressed the need to enhance the production of biofuel in the country by using the stubble of certain crops to reduce the dependence on the import of crude oil and fuel gases and said he had converted his tractor into a CNG vehicle.

Gadkari virtually addressed the International Soy Conclave organised by the Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA) in Madhya Pradesh.

“I have converted my (diesel-run) tractor into a CNG-powered vehicle. We should encourage the production of bio CNG and bio LNG using the stubble of crops like soybean, wheat, paddy, cotton etc. to reduce the dependence on imports of crude oil and fuel gases. This will generate additional income for farmers,” the Road Transport and Highways Minister said.

Gadkari's suggestion came at a time when the retail prices of petrol and diesel have skyrocketed in the country following the rise in the rates of crude oil in the international market.

"I have also discussed this (issue of GM seeds for soybean) with Prime Minister. I know that many people in the country are opposed to GM seeds. But we could not stop the import of soybean oil, extracted from GM soybeans, from other countries,” he said.

Gadkari said the people should be made aware of the development of GM soybean seeds in India.

He also underlined the need to conduct detailed research on making food products from Soya oil cake (residue after the extraction of oil from soybean seeds) to address malnutrition, especially in tribal areas.

“Thousands of tribals in our country are dying of malnutrition due to the lack of protein (in their diet). Soya cake is rich in protein,” he said. READ MORE