Chhattisgarh, IOC agree to produce bio deisel together

New Delhi, Oct 26 (UNI) The Chhattisgarh Government and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will work together for commercial production of bio-deisel as a joint venture in the State under a proposal presented by the IOC to Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh here today.

Welcoming the proposal for a joint venture in the field of bio diesel production, Dr Singh directed constitution of a working group to consider the pros and cons of the matter. The Working Group will present an idea model before the State Government.

The Working Group will comprise of senior officers of the Government of Chhattisgarh and Indian Oil Corporation, says an official release.

Speaking on the occasion,the Chief Minister said the Chhattisgarh Government's interest in bio deisel production was intended to save the nation from precarious situation of demand and supply of petroleum.

"We are happy to know that the country has acknowledged our efforts," the Chief Minister said and expressed the hope that efforts of the State Government would show a new path to the nation.

IOC Chairman Behruia said since the Chhattisgarh Government wanted to generate employment opportunities in the rural sector, raise income and empower women through bio deisel programme, these objectives could be achieved easily with the presence of the IOC marketing wing.

The IOC Chairman said that 33,000 farmers and labourers would be engaged in jatropha cultivation in one lakh hectares of land.By jatropha cultivation in three hectares of barren land one family could earn to the tune of Rs 60,000 per annum.

Mr Behurai said he wanted to develop machinery for production of one lakh tonnes of bio deisel in Chhattisgarh. The IOC would provide the technical know how, all necessary materials and other necessary services for production of bio deisel and would develop mechanism for purchase of bio deisel.

Senior officers of the Chhattisgarh Government and the IOC were present on the occasion.

UNI YS KR HT2018