Chhattisgarh advises centre to set up biofuel units using paddy husk

NEW DELHI: As Delhi grapples with worsening air pollution, the Chhattisgarh government has offered the Centre a solution to the problem of stubble burning in fields—set up ethanol or biofuel units using paddy husk and rice straw, it says.

On its part, the Chhattisgarh government has decided to set up at least six biofuel plants to produce ethanol in the state. It will be the first state in India to use rice and paddy husk to produce the biofuel.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel told ET, “Chhattisgarh is known as the rice bowl of India. We have surplus production of rice. So we explored the possibility of using surplus rice for other purposes. Now, we have zeroed in on technology. Rice straw and paddy husk are globally significant sources of cellulose-rich biomass and there is great interest in converting them to bio ethanol.” According to Baghel, the husk and paddy straw should not be burnt. Instead it should be sold to the plant set up in the area. “When the farmer knows that every part of his produce will be bought, he will ensure he doesn’t burn it,” Baghel said. Apart from the most immediate problem of stubble burning, there could be long-term positive impacts, including significant reduction in fuel consumption with blending of ethanol.