New Delhi: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said that ethanol production at a large scale will help improve farmers' income.
He called upon the State of Karnataka to take up the production of ethanol in a big way, as it is one of the largest producers of sugarcane in the country.
"The country is already over-producing sugar and rice, and sufficient stock are available with the government. The surplus may be converted to Ethanol, which can be used as an alternative fuel for vehicles. This will not only improve farmers' income but will also be an indigenous source of fuels for the country," he said.
His remarks came while he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 33 national highway projects in Karnataka through virtual mode. These projects include 1,197 kilometres long roads worth Rs 10,904 crores.
Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari informed that over 900 km national highway length has been added in Karnataka during last six years, and it now stands at 7,652 kilometres, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
"A total of 71 works are in progress in length of 2,384 kilometres at a cost of Rs 37,311 crores. Out of these, more than 70 percent progress has been achieved in 26 works amounting to Rs 12,286 crores covering a length of 1,127 kilometres," he said.
