Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, October 16-
Punjab is all set to emerge as a national leader in biofuel production, with the Punjab government unveiling an ambitious Punjab State Policy for Biofuels to meet 20 percent of the state’s overall fuel demand through biofuels by 2035, said Aman Arora, cabinet Minister at a Round Table discussion on "Bio-fuels: Re-imagining India's Energy Sector & Sustainability in Agriculture here on Wednesday.
He further stated that the policy aims to develop and promote the production of biofuels, including Compressed Biogas (CBG), 2G Bio-ethanol and Biomass Pellets, from agricultural residues in Punjab. This initiative seeks to utilise at least 50% of agricultural and other waste, which is expected to enhance soil organic content by up to 5%. Additionally, it will provide the state farmers with opportunities to generate extra income source by cultivating biofuel crops and selling biomass.
As an agrarian state, Punjab has significant potential for biofuels production, generating approximately 20 million tons of paddy straw annually, of which around 12 million tons are currently utilised in various applications.