Karnataka: Mysuru sugarcane growers urge PM to stay firm on ethanol policy
The Indian Sugarcane Farmers’ Association urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to continue promoting ethanol blending, saying it boosts farmers’ incomes, reduces crude oil imports and strengthens economic self-reliance. The group dismissed opposition claims about ethanol harming vehicle performance.
Amid the controversy surrounding the Centre’s ethanol blending policy, a farmers’ body from Mysuru has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to continue to promote ethanol production and usage, ignoring the criticism from Opposition parties and various organisations.
Indian Sugarcane Farmers’ Association, led by its president Kurubur Shanthkumar, who is also the president of State Sugarcane Growers’ Association, Mysuru, in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, argued that the Centre’s policy is crucial for farmers’ welfare and the country’s economic self-reliance.
The association welcomed the Centre’s emphasis on producing ethanol from sugarcane, rice, maize and other agricultural produce.
The association alleged that Opposition parties and certain organisations were spreading “misinformation” by claiming that ethanol adversely affects vehicle engines and reduces fuel efficiency.
Mr. Shanthakumar maintained that increased domestic production and consumption of ethanol would enhance farmers’ income, improve the country’s per capita income through the use of “environmentally friendly fuel” and reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil. The letter also claimed that lower crude oil imports could save the country nearly ₹4 lakh crore in foreign exchange, strengthening the economy and enabling greater investment in essential public infrastructure and services.
Urging the Prime Minister not to yield to pressure from Opposition parties, the association appealed to the Centre to take “bold action” on the ethanol issue while keeping farmers’ interests at the forefront.
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Source : The Hindu
