NCP president Sharad Pawar has suggested the sugar industry pay more attention to its byproducts such as ethanol and molasses to generate more sustainable energy. “It’s time we shifted from sugar to its byproducts. From sugar cane juice we can make ethanol and molasses, which can be used as CNG,” Pawar said on Wednesday.
During the event that took mark the birth centenary of Annasaheb Shinde, the Congress Stalwart who planned the Green Revolution during the 1970s, he said that the country’s had a sufficient good stock of sugar, now it’s time to think of a shift in the sugar sector.
Observers said Pawar has indicated that the Sugar cooperatives which are regarded as the backbone of Maharashtra should come up with ways and accord priority to energy as it can lead to a progressive step ahead. Pawar said the Centre ought to handle the ongoing farmers’ stir in New Delhi with sensitivity. “Those in power should see that farmers, who are agitating against the agriculture laws braving punishing cold, do not take recourse to extreme measures out of frustration,” he added.
Noted agriculture expert Gokul Patnaik said that the new farm laws put no check on big businesses forming cartels to dominate the markets.
He questioned the Centre’s move to give unbridled permission to “anyone” to enter agricultural markets. Stating that Indian farmers were innovative and hardworking, Patnaik stressed the need for research and extension programs to ensure better production and productivity in a sustainable manner, food security for the nation, and farmers’ welfare. “Currently, India spends less than 0.5 % of its GDP on R&D. We need to at least double our current expenditure on R&D, and spend more on the creation of public infrastructure,” said Patnaik.
