The Punjab government has set up an ethanol plant in Sangrur district to make ethanol from stubble. The plant is expected to produce 50,000 liters of ethanol per day, which will be used to blend with petrol. This will help to reduce the state’s dependence on fossil fuels and also help to address the problem of stubble burning.
Stubble burning is a major problem in Punjab, as it causes air pollution and also contributes to climate change. The new ethanol plant is expected to help to reduce stubble burning by providing farmers with a market for their stubble.
The ethanol plant is a joint venture between the Punjab government and the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL). The plant has been funded by the Punjab government and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
The setting up of the ethanol plant is a major step towards making Punjab a leading state in the production of biofuels. The plant is expected to create employment opportunities for local people and also boost the state’s economy.
Benefits of the Ethanol Plant
The ethanol plant is expected to have several benefits for Punjab. These include:
- Reduced air pollution: Stubble burning is a major source of air pollution in Punjab. The ethanol plant is expected to help to reduce stubble burning by providing farmers with a market for their stubble.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Ethanol is a renewable fuel that burns cleaner than petrol. The use of ethanol will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the state.
- Increased farmer income: Farmers will be able to sell their stubble to the ethanol plant, which will provide them with an additional source of income.
- Boost to the economy: The ethanol plant is expected to create employment opportunities for local people and also boost the state’s economy.
The setting up of the ethanol plant is a positive development for Punjab. The plant is expected to help to address the problem of stubble burning, reduce air pollution, and boost the state’s economy.
