Gadag: Karnataka is set to roll out a new biofuel policy soon, according to Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board (KSBDB) chairman S.E. Sudheendra. He said that all groundwork for the policy has been completed and implementation guidelines are ready.
Speaking at the joint celebrations of Sadbhavana Day, Renewable Energy Day, and World Biofuel Day at Rural Development University, Sudheendra highlighted that the state expects investments of over ₹1 lakh crore in the biofuel sector over the next five years. This, he added, could generate more than three lakh direct and indirect jobs, boost farmers’ incomes, and encourage young entrepreneurs to enter the sector. “The next five years will be crucial for biofuel development in Karnataka,” he said.
The events were also aimed at spreading awareness about renewable energy, national unity, and social harmony, especially among students. Sudheendra pointed out that biofuel awareness programmes are already being carried out successfully across Karnataka, and stressed the need to scale up biofuel production and commercialisation, as several other states are already taking the lead.
Adding to this, Gadag’s deputy conservator of forests, Santosh Kenchappannavar, said India has already witnessed the Green Revolution and White Revolution, and now the biofuel revolution will play a key role in strengthening the country’s energy sector. He explained that ethanol production from sugarcane and electricity generation from sugarcane waste are already contributing to cleaner energy, with sugar factories playing an important role in this growth.
