India plans to boost biofuels to reduce pollution

The Indian government is planning to boost the use of biofuels in transport fuels after recognising their major contribution to air pollution.

A proposal by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has set a target of 20% blending of diesel and petrol with biodiesel and ethanol by 2017.

Blending targets for bioethanol have been in effect since 2008, but this is the first times recommendations for biodiesel use have been made.

The proposition aims to encourage farmers and landless workers to plant un-edible oil seeds to increase the production of biodiesel and bioethanol.

Public and private farmers will be supported by the Minimum Support Price mechanism.

The Indian government is aiming to solve several challenges the country is facing with the environment, agriculture, and economy.

In addition to reducing air pollution there are plans to increase farmer employment, especially for those with little financial means.

The support for bioethanol aims to aid India’s struggling sugar industry.

To make the adoption of biodiesel and bioethanol faster, the government is also planning to enhance the incentives for fuel processing and production.

The Motors Vehicles Act already allows ‘conversion of an existing engine of a vehicle to use biofuels.’

Engine manufacturers will be required to make the necessary changes to the engines to ensure compatibility with biofuels.