UP farmers to fuel energy and aviation sectors, says Gadkari
Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said Uttar Pradesh could eventually become an energy exporter through agricultural produce.
Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday that farmers in Uttar Pradesh will soon fuel the electricity, bitumen, aviation and hydrogen-power sectors. Speaking at a programme in Mungra Badshahpur, Gadkari stated that the state could eventually become an energy exporter, according to the Daily Excelsior.
The minister launched eight national highway projects worth Rs 3,650 crore, which include the Mungra Badshahpur bypass. He noted that road projects worth Rs 5 lakh crore are planned for Uttar Pradesh, with Rs 1 lakh crore completed, Rs 1.25 lakh crore underway, and at least Rs 3 lakh crore in the pipeline.
Gadkari cited ethanol production from sugarcane, maize and broken rice as a key development. He mentioned that an ethanol-powered Toyota Innova will be launched on November 26 and highlighted that hydrogen could be produced from agricultural waste such as bagasse, soybean and rice residue.
The minister said ethanol production has raised maize prices from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,600 per quintal, providing a benefit worth Rs 45,000 crore to farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. He added that hydrogen produced by farmers would run aircraft, cars and railway engines.
Addressing contractors, Gadkari issued a warning that no future contracts will be awarded to those who do not ensure quality work. He also asserted that no one can level allegations of corruption against his department.