Goyal launches new sugar-ethanol portal to boost RE

In a significant move aimed at promoting renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, Union minister Piyush Goyal launched a new sugar-ethanol portal. The portal, unveiled during the ‘National Conference of Food Ministers of States/UTs’, aims to enhance the production and utilisation of ethanol derived from sugarcane in India.The conference, organised by the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), brought together key stakeholders to discuss various aspects of foodgrain procurement, distribution, and policy reforms.Goyal, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the importance of renewable energy and the need for India to transition towards a cleaner and greener future.With the launch of the sugar-ethanol portal, the government aims to boost the production and consumption of ethanol as an alternative to fossil fuels. Ethanol, derived from sugarcane, can be blended with petrol, reducing the reliance on imported crude oil and contributing to a cleaner environment.During the conference, the department highlighted the significant role of procurement reforms in ensuring food security and stable prices for essential commodities. Additionally, a demonstration of the ‘Annapurti’ automated multi-commodity grain dispensing machine developed by the UN World Food Programme (UN-WFP) and automatic grain analyzers was conducted, showcasing technological advancements in the procurement and quality checking processes.