A great majority of nations rely on fossil fuels to meet their energy needs. India also relies on crude oil imports from foreign countries just like the majority. It helps us fulfil the increasing energy demands of the world’s second largest population. To make sure the dependence on imported crude oil goes down, the Government of India introduced several projects that aim to enhance India’s energy security. One of those initiatives is Pradhan Mantri JI VAN Yojana. It stands for jaiv indhan vatavaran anukool fasal awashesh nivaran.

It was launched almost five years ago by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This scheme has various goals for oil marketing companies or OMCs and the common public. It aims to establish commercial projects for 2G Ethanol production while providing an alternative use for agricultural residues and supporting rural economies. One of the prevalent jaiv indhan or biofuels is Ethanol, which paved the path for ethanol plant manufacturers in India to enhance their productivity.

Objectives of the PM JI-VAN Scheme

Other than financially supporting integrated bio-ethanol projects to set up 2G or second-generation ethanol projects across India, this scheme has other missions as well. Some of those objectives are as follows:

1. Better Income for Farmers

Sugarcane waste and other agricultural residues are either thrown or burned like waste. The scheme is creating a market for all such waste, giving farmers an extra source of income. Indian farmers are now selling not just the sugarcane but also its residues to the ethanol manufacturing companies in India.

2. Cutback on Crop Burning

Considered the major source of air pollution, especially smog during winter, crop burning is still a major challenge for the nation. As we know, PM JI-VAN Yojana creates a market for agricultural residue, it will significantly reduce the ill practice of crop burning.

3. Eco-friendly approach

The greenhouse gas emission from traditional fuels like petrol and diesel is a global concern. As biofuel like ethanol is a greener alternative, its usage in blended form causes less carbon emission. Thus, the GOI is promoting the use of renewable energy source that is clean and green.

4. Energy Security

The more ethanol India produces for energy consumption, the less crude oil we have to import from overseas. This way, we will be securing our energy future while we become self-reliant on ethanol production.

5. Push to Biofuel Production

The main intent of Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana is to support setting up 2G ethanol projects in terms of finances. It wants ethanol plant manufacturers in India to leverage this opportunity to expand their operation function. It will further help these companies enhance their production capacity.

6. Waste management

It is not just the sugarcane molasses but also the co-products like bagasse that are considered agricultural waste. The latter is used for co-generation to meet nearly all the captive power requirements of the distillery units.

Benefits of the Scheme

1. A Sustainable Approach

By promoting the use of biofuel like ethanol, we are slowly replacing fossil fuels and accepting the clean energy use practice. It is also a step towards reducing Green House Gas emissions.

2. More Employment Opportunities

Setting up of new 2G ethanol projects will significantly generate more employment in the sector. So whether it’s the production plant or supply chain, working opportunities are expected to rise everywhere.

3. Promotion of R&D

As PM JI-VAN Yojana is a transition from the first generation of ethanol to its second generation, it is a green signal for promoting research & development in the sector.

Conclusion

The initiative like PM JI VAN Yojana is a great step towards embracing sustainable energy production. Let us hope the ethanol manufacturing companies in India are able to cope with new challenges and make the most of similar technological advancements for business expansion and nation building.