MP: BKS backs ethanol, dismisses water-use concerns; seeks GST on fuel
Bhopal, July 18
The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh on Saturday strongly backed the Centre's ethanol blending programme, dismissing allegations that ethanol production leads to excessive water consumption and asserting that the biofuel is in the interest of both farmers and the country.
Addressing a press conference here, BKS National President K. Sai Reddy said misinformation was being spread about ethanol and claimed it helps increase farmers' income, reduce dependence on imported crude oil and curb pollution.
He said opposing ethanol is against the interests of farmers and the nation, as it boosts income, reduces dependence on foreign oil and helps control pollution.
Rejecting criticism over water use, Reddy said the claim that ethanol production wastes thousands of litres of water is completely false.
He explained that only a limited amount of water is used to extract juice from sugarcane, and the water used in factories is recycled.
Reddy added that ethanol produced from crops such as sugarcane, maize and rice provides farmers with better returns while contributing to the country's energy security. He also favoured promoting vehicles capable of running entirely on ethanol.
Regarding concerns that ethanol‑blended petrol affects vehicle performance, he said such fuel has been in use in the country for the past five years. If vehicles develop technical problems, manufacturers should address them instead of blaming ethanol, he added.
The BKS also demanded that petrol and diesel be brought under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, saying it would ensure uniform fuel prices across the country and provide relief to consumers.
The farmers' body further sought hassle‑free procurement of crops at the minimum support price (MSP), increased procurement of moong and early release of the Madhya Pradesh government's share under the crop insurance scheme so that pending claims are settled without delay.
Reddy also appealed to farmers to adopt natural farming to reduce cultivation costs.
Earlier in the day, a BKS delegation met Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and demanded that the Kailaras Sugar Mill in Morena be handed over to farmers through a cooperative society instead of being privatised. It also proposed constituting a committee of farmers, shareholders and technical experts under the district collector to manage the mill.
According to the organisation, the Chief Minister assured the delegation that the proposal would be considered.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Valid points by BKS, but why not also push for more electric vehicles? Ethanol still requires crops and land. Though bringing petrol/diesel under GST is a great idea – uniform fuel prices would save us so much. At least someone is thinking about the common man.
Water usage might be recycled in factories, but growing sugarcane itself is water-intensive in many regions. Hope they also focus on water-efficient crops like maize for ethanol. Still, better than depending on Gulf oil. Solid initiative overall.
Interesting perspective from an Indian farmers' body. In the US, ethanol from corn has similar debates. Glad to see they're addressing water concerns and pushing for GST on fuel – that would really help stabilize prices. Hope the government listens.
Good points on ethanol, but why stop at just fuel? India should also invest in ethanol-based chemicals and plastics. And yes, bring fuel under GST – the price variation from state to state is ridiculous. Farmers deserve better returns, but we need a holistic energy policy.
The demand for GST on fuel is the real game-changer here. Petrol and diesel prices are crushing us! If ethanol helps farmers and reduces oil imports, I'm all for it. Just hope the transition doesn't hurt small farmers who can't afford new equipment.
A We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.