The Hindu Business Line : Expert group meeting on biofuel issues

Hyderabad May 10 Biofuels can be a good source for decentralised energy, for example in water pumping, running tractors etc., said Mr T.L. Shankar, an energy expert and visiting faculty at the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), here.

While the promise of using jatropha, pongamia etc. for biofuel is immense, the seeds have not been tested scientifically for a long-term to give an assurance to farmers. There is a need for further study, he told presspersons.

In the background of the big excitement and promise generated on bio-diesel and cultivation of these crops, an Expert Group meeting has been planned during May 14 & 15 at ASCI. The idea is to get experts with hands-on experience to present their views on the subject, he said.

The meeting would review at what stage is the knowledge on bio-fuels, the implications on irrigation & water, food security, advantage to farmers, utility as bio-diesel and blends in petrol.

The country plans to achieve 5 per cent diesel blend, which means at least 17 lakh hectares of land is required and for 20 per cent blend, 68 lakh hectares land is required.

The Expert Group will evaluate the present scenario of vegetable oils availability for human consumption and non-edible oils and to explore option to become self reliant in oil.

It would also discuss opportunities to use these non-edible grade vegetable oils to support on-farm & off-farm agricultural operations, village electrification and options.

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