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ShareBio-fuels--fuels derived from plant material--are emerging as an alternative to fossil fuels. A task force has been set up for the purpose of taking up plantation activity with the aim of producing such fuel in the state. Ramakrishna YB, chairman of the task force, spoke to Shwetha S about the activities planned.
What is the mission of your task force?
Our team was constituted in September 2008. Different government departments -- forests, transport, as also committees and NGOs -- are represented. We will be identifying degraded government land in every district for plantations. Nearly 15 gram panchayats in taluks of Jagalur, Harapanahalli and Davanagere have already been chosen. Over Rs75 lakh has been distributed to 3,200 families for the plantation of 3 lakh seedlings. This scheme, 'Hasiru Honnu' will be extended to cover the whole state.
What plants are used for the purpose of bio-fuel?
Depending on which plants best adapt to the specific conditions in each area, neem saplings, Honge, Jatropha, Hippe or Simarubha could be planted.
KSRTC launched bio-diesel buses some months ago. How is the service doing? Any plans to increase these buses?
KSRTC and BMTC run 500 buses on bio-diesel, blended with diesel. KSRTC also has a programme of blending 7.7% ethanol with diesel, which is used to run over 1500 buses. We hope to increase the number of buses run on bio-diesel to about 4000 by the end of the year.
Will bio-fuel come at a lower cost, compared to other fuel?
No, there will not be a reduction in the price of the fuel, but neither will there be an increase. Bio-fuel's main advantage lies in its eco-friendly nature. Pollution levels could drop by up to five per cent for each vehicle.
How will the plantations serve the state's farmers? Will the government offer them a subsidy?
Farmers will first have to register themselves with the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGREGA). Once registered, they will get free saplings. For each sapling, we will pay Rs25. Over three years, Rs6 will be paid for each surviving sapling. After three years, farmers can expect to sell the seeds. Farmers will be free to use the remains of the species as organic manure or for bio-gas. Equipment for extraction of oil from seeds will also be supplied to farmers at 50% subsidy.
When can we expect the bio-fuel project in the state to reach maturity?
The mission has begun. Over three years we expect to have over 10 lakh hectares of government wasteland under bio-fuel cultivation. Once the lands are provided, it will take about 10 years for the project to reach maturity.
