In a significant move toward environmental protection and pollution reduction, the Odisha government is promoting ethanol production using agricultural waste. Midwest Limited presented its proposal at Lok Seva Bhawan, outlining plans to establish an ethanol plant in the state and promote ethanol as an alternative fuel source.
During the presentation, company representative Prabhakar Reddy highlighted the potential for using ethanol-blended fuel in boats operating on Chilika Lake. This initiative aligns with the Central Government’s vision of incorporating ethanol into diesel. Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo expressed optimism about Odisha’s progress in achieving this target.
The ethanol will be produced from crop residue such as paddy straw, which is typically burned by farmers and contributes to air pollution. The company intends to purchase this waste from farmers, offering them an additional income stream. The initiative is expected to reduce pollution, generate employment, boost the rural economy, and ease manual labor demands.
The project may also include the use of residues from other crops like sugarcane, maize, and bajra for ethanol production. The presentation was attended by several key officials, including Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, Law and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and Industries Minister Sampada Chandra Swain.
Also present were senior bureaucrats such as Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department; Vishal Deb, Principal Secretary of the Energy Department; Balwant Singh, Commissioner and Secretary of the Tourism Department; and Bhupendra Singh Punia, Managing Director of EPCL.
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