On Tuesday, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, urged the revival of sugar beet cultivation in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, not for sugar production but with a focus on ethanol. He stated that if the ethanol production initiative takes off, beet producers will receive a good price for their produce.
He pointed to the success of ethanol production for farmers, explaining, “Last year, the price of corn was Rs 1,200 per quintal, but after allowing ethanol production from corn, its price increased to Rs 2,400 per quintal for the first time.”
Gadkari highlighted the economic potential of promoting ethanol production, saying it could greatly enhance farmers’ incomes. He further encouraged the state to push for a shift towards ethanol, urging all major companies to adopt it. “By replacing petrol with ethanol, farmers in Rajasthan could produce ethanol from crops like maize, sorghum, millet, or even spoiled grains. When vehicles like cars, scooters, and auto-rickshaws run on ethanol, it will lead to the prosperity of farmers in the region,” he added.
The Minister also touched on the importance of reducing logistics costs, noting that changes in fuel prices and road infrastructure could lower logistics costs to just 9%. Speaking at the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 in Jaipur, Gadkari explained that these savings could help strengthen the state’s export capabilities. “If fuel and road prices are adjusted, we aim to reduce India’s logistics costs by 9% within two years. Achieving this reduction in Rajasthan alone will make the state more competitive in exports,” he stated.
Gadkari also outlined the need for progress in four critical areas to achieve the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and establish India as the world’s third-largest economy: water, power, transport, and communication. He stressed, “For any nation to develop, these four infrastructures are essential. If we invest in them, capital investment will flow in, driving growth in industry, trade, and business. This growth will create jobs, raise per capita income, and help reduce poverty. To make India a Vishwaguru (global leader), it is crucial for our states to be economically strong and self-reliant.”
