“Farmers can turn agriculture into energy through biofuels like ethanol,” says Gadkari

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Jairam Gadkari, has called for a stronger push towards biofuels, highlighting their dual role in reducing India’s fossil fuel dependence and improving rural livelihoods.

Addressing the 5th International Climate Summit (ICS 2025) through a video message, Union Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari said climate change must be addressed by strengthening what he described as the three essential pillars of society ethics, economy and ecology. “Ecology and environment are crucial. Because of air pollution, we are all facing serious health challenges. Nearly 40 per cent of India’s pollution comes from the transport sector,” he noted. The summit was organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) on Friday in New Delhi.

The Minister underlined that biofuels such as ethanol can significantly cut fossil fuel imports while helping address air pollution. “Our farmers can change this by turning agriculture into energy, through biofuels like ethanol,” Gadkari noted.

He pointed to the impact already visible in the farm sector. Until recently, corn farmers struggled with low prices and unstable incomes. With corn increasingly being used for ethanol production, Gadkari said rural incomes had seen a substantial boost. “Just a few years ago, farmers were struggling to sell their produce. Today, because corn is being converted into ethanol, farmers are earning more. Incomes in rural areas have grown by nearly Rs 50,000 crore,” he added.

The Minister also stressed that farmers would not only continue to grow food but would increasingly become contributors to clean energy by supplying raw material for ethanol-based fuels. He said the opportunities extended beyond transport into aviation, construction, equipment and industrial applications.