Ethanol to empower farmers, drive nation’s progress: Yogi
GORAKHPUR, Apr 6: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday inaugurated the Keyaan Distillery Plant in Sahjanwa, and while extending greetings on the occasion of Ram Navami, he congratulated the people on launching a new industrial venture under the GIDA (Gorakhpur Industrial Development Authority) framework.
The CM emphasised that the 30-acre facility will produce ethanol from grains, an initiative poised to benefit the nation and its farmers. He said that the plant is not a liquor manufacturing unit but a dedicated ethanol production facility. He explained that ethanol can power vehicles and aircraft as an alternative to petrol and diesel.
Highlighting the economic impact, Yogi said that India spends Rs 7 to 8 lakh crore annually on fuel imports. “Producing ethanol from locally sourced agricultural produce will save foreign exchange, boost farmers’ income, and generate employment opportunities,” he said.
He said that the plant will produce 3.5 lakh litres of ethanol daily, with plans to scale up to 5 lakh litres. “It will also manufacture rectified spirit, a key ingredient in modern pharmaceuticals,” he said.
The CM highlighted the efforts of the double-engine government over the past eight years in transforming agricultural waste into economic assets. “What was once considered unusable, spoiled grains and excess sugarcane, is fuelling a thriving ethanol industry. Currently, UP produces 177 crore litres of ethanol annually, blended with conventional fuels to reduce dependence on fossil energy,” he said.
He urged farmers to supply broken rice, damaged wheat, straw, and sugarcane to the plant, assuring them of fair compensation. “This move will allow farmers to earn even from stubble and other agricultural waste. To be built for Rs 1,200 crore, the plant will directly employ 2,000 individuals and create indirect employment for an additional 2,000 people,” he said.
Yogi said that GIDA struggled to attract investment eight years ago. However, the region has transformed under the current government’s proactive approach. “In the past eight years alone, GIDA has attracted investments exceeding Rs 15,000 crore, generating employment for over 50,000 youth,” he said.
He said, “Diploma courses and training programs have also been introduced within the industrial area to support skill development. New ventures such as a plastic park, garment park, and flatted factory are in the pipeline, further boosting industrial growth.”
He said that today, investors and entrepreneurs have confidence in the safety and potential of investing in UP, particularly in Gorakhpur. “GIDA is now seen as a promising destination for industries and startups alike,” he said.
The CM highlighted the importance of sustainable development and emphasised the need to balance industrial growth with environmental conservation. He called for adopting green energy practices such as zero liquid discharge and solar power.
Stressing the responsibility of safeguarding the planet, he drew a parallel between the human body and the environment and said that just as arteries carry blood in the body, rivers are the lifelines of the earth. “Preserving their cleanliness and continuous flow, he said, is essential for ecological balance,” he said.
(UNI)
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