Bhopal, July 18 (IANS) The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) on Saturday strongly backed the Centre’s ethanol blending programme, dismissing allegations that ethanol production leads to excessive water consumption and asserting that the biofuel is in the interest of both farmers and the country.
Addressing a press conference here, BKS National President K. Sai Reddy said misinformation was being spread about ethanol and claimed it helps increase farmers’ income, reduce dependence on imported crude oil and curb pollution.
He said opposing ethanol is against the interests of farmers and the nation, as it boosts income, reduces dependence on foreign oil and helps control pollution.
Rejecting criticism over water use, Reddy said the claim that ethanol production wastes thousands of litres of water is completely false.
He explained that only a limited amount of water is used to extract juice from sugarcane, and the water used in factories is recycled.
Reddy added that ethanol produced from crops such as sugarcane, maize and rice provides farmers with better returns while contributing to the country’s energy security. He also favoured promoting vehicles capable of running entirely on ethanol.
Regarding concerns that ethanol‑blended petrol affects vehicle performance, he said such fuel has been in use in the country for the past five years. If vehicles develop technical problems, manufacturers should address them instead of blaming ethanol, he added.
The BKS also demanded that petrol and diesel be brought under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, saying it would ensure uniform fuel prices across the country and provide relief to consumers.
The farmers’ body further sought hassle‑free procurement of crops at the minimum support price (MSP), increased procurement of moong and early release of the Madhya Pradesh government’s share under the crop insurance scheme so that pending claims are settled without delay.
Reddy also appealed to farmers to adopt natural farming to reduce cultivation costs.
Earlier in the day, a BKS delegation met Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and demanded that the Kailaras Sugar Mill in Morena be handed over to farmers through a cooperative society instead of being privatised. It also proposed constituting a committee of farmers, shareholders and technical experts under the district collector to manage the mill.
According to the organisation, the Chief Minister assured the delegation that the proposal would be considered.
–IANS
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