Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar inaugurated the country’s first greenfield grain-based ethanol plant in Purnea district on April 30.
- Mr Kumar said ethanol production would help reduce the cost of petrol and generate fresh employment opportunities in the state.
About the plant
- The rupees 105 crore plant set up by the Eastern India Biofuels Private Limited is the first one developed since the Union government approved the Bihar government’s ethanol production and promotion policy -2021.
- The ethanol plant, set up with the latest technology using zero waste discharge, has been built on 15 acres.
- It would buy 130 tonnes of rice husk and 150 tonnes of maize or rice from farmers every day. The plant is situated at Ganeshpur Parora, about 12 km from Purnia town.
- The region has emerged as a hub for cultivation of maize, which can be used to make ethanol at the plant.
- Bihar’s Seemanchal region,, which includes Purnia, Katihar, Araria and Kishanganj districts, account for 80% of the total maize produced in Bihar.
Grain and ethanol
- The Central Government has taken multiple steps including, allowing diversion of B heavy molasses, sugarcane juice, sugar and sugar syrup for ethanol production.
- To increase production of fuel grade ethanol, Govt. is also encouraging distilleries to produce ethanol from maize; & rice available with Food Corporation of India.
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