Road, Transport, and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday encouraged the sugar industry to explore various avenues for diversification, including ethanol-diesel blending, flex-fuel engines, and green hydrogen production.
Speaking virtually at the annual general meeting of the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), Gadkari highlighted the need for ethanol and CNG pump infrastructure, calling for active private sector participation.
“There is a huge potential for flex engines, ethanol-based engines, and bio-CNG as alternatives to fossil fuels,” he said.
Five automakers, including Tata Motors, Suzuki, and Toyota, are preparing to launch flex-fuel cars in the market, he added.
Gadkari also urged tractor manufacturers to explore alternative fuel-based tractors to broaden the scope of sustainable mobility.
The minister pointed to untapped export opportunities for ethanol in neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, urging stakeholders to consider expanding their markets.
