Govt to introduce ethanol in agriculture, construction equipment

06 Jun 2022 CW Team

The Union Minister told the media that the country imports petroleum products worth Rs 10 lakh crore to fulfil the requirements in the energy and power sector, and in the following five years, the demand may increase up to Rs 25 lakh crore, which will impact the economy.

At the state-level Sugar Conference 2022 organised by Vasantdada Sugar Institute in Pune, Gadkari said alternative fuel is the future. After electric scooters, cars, and buses, soon electric tractors and trucks will be there.

Gadkari said diesel-based agriculture equipment should be made petrol-based, and flex engines can be transformed to run on ethanol. Efforts are also being made to introduce ethanol in construction equipment also.

Stressing the need to shift from sugar production to ethanol, the minister said the increase in sugar demand across the world is temporary. When the price of crude oil increases to $140 per barrel, Brazil creates ethanol from sugarcane, raising the demand for sugar from India. When the cost of crude oil drops from $70 to $80 per barrel, Brazil starts creating sugar. When crude oil becomes cheaper, sugar costs will also come down drastically.

Gadkari also asked Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to install ethanol pumps in Pune to support farmers selling the fuel directly. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who addressed the conference virtually, said sugar producers in the state were encountering several problems. Sugarcane workers are essential, and the Gopinath Ustod Kamgar Mahamandal has been formed to assist in resolving problems faced by them.

The chief minister said cultivators must think about adopting micro-irrigation for the sugarcane crop, as water is a valuable resource, and rainfall is inconsistent.

Image Source

Also read: BSIV emission norms for construction and agricultural equipment

On Saturday, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the need to switch to alternative fuels like ethanol and said efforts are on to introduce ethanol in agriculture and construction equipment. The Union Minister told the media that the country imports petroleum products worth Rs 10 lakh crore to fulfil the requirements in the energy and power sector, and in the following five years, the demand may increase up to Rs 25 lakh crore, which will impact the economy. At the state-level Sugar Conference 2022 organised by Vasantdada Sugar Institute in Pune, Gadkari said alternative fuel is the future. After electric scooters, cars, and buses, soon electric tractors and trucks will be there. Gadkari said diesel-based agriculture equipment should be made petrol-based, and flex engines can be transformed to run on ethanol. Efforts are also being made to introduce ethanol in construction equipment also. Stressing the need to shift from sugar production to ethanol, the minister said the increase in sugar demand across the world is temporary. When the price of crude oil increases to $140 per barrel, Brazil creates ethanol from sugarcane, raising the demand for sugar from India. When the cost of crude oil drops from $70 to $80 per barrel, Brazil starts creating sugar. When crude oil becomes cheaper, sugar costs will also come down drastically. Gadkari also asked Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to install ethanol pumps in Pune to support farmers selling the fuel directly. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who addressed the conference virtually, said sugar producers in the state were encountering several problems. Sugarcane workers are essential, and the Gopinath Ustod Kamgar Mahamandal has been formed to assist in resolving problems faced by them. The chief minister said cultivators must think about adopting micro-irrigation for the sugarcane crop, as water is a valuable resource, and rainfall is inconsistent. Image Source Also read: BSIV emission norms for construction and agricultural equipment

Infrastructure Urban

07 Oct 2025

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..