New Delhi: Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, emphasized the need for India to transition from being an importer to an exporter while citing that 85 percent of fuels equivalent to around 16 lakh crores, are imported into the country.

Speaking at the Summit organized by PHDCCI on the Role of Bio Energy for Atmanirbhar Bharat in Energy Security and Climate Change Mitigation at PHD House, he talked about the issue of the surplus of products such as broken rice and sugarcane, highlighting the need to utilize them in ethanol production to yield substantial benefits, reducing the government's need to purchase these products at MSPs.

Emphasizing the vast potential of alternative fuels and energy sectors, he proposed addressing the issue of stubble burning by encouraging farmers to sell crop residues to companies for biofuel production.

Given the economic disparity in the rural, agricultural, and tribal sectors where 65 percent of the population resides and contributes only 12 percent to GDP growth, addressing this imbalance can contribute to their upliftment, ultimately fostering overall economic growth.

Minister further advocated for policy diversification towards the energy and power sector, particularly focusing on Sustainable Aviation fuel. He expressed optimism about the significant investment potential in BioAviation Fuel in India, aiming to build a two lakh crore economy in India.

Prioritizing the increase in ethanol production, Gadkari suggested leveraging the potential of Northeastern India's bamboo resources too for ethanol production. He also stressed the importance of flex engines, especially in drones, for enhanced environmental friendliness.

Gadkari further emphasized the importance of exploring various alternative fuels, biofuels, and electricity, due to their substantial potential. He highlighted their significant advantages, especially when compared to the demand factor, and underscored the vast potency and growth potential inherent in these alternative energy sectors.