Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday said generating bio-fuel from paddy will be a unique initiative in the country for which inclusive efforts is required.

The state has ample opportunities to generate bio-fuel from paddy, sugarcane and other agricultural products, he said, adding that the state government intends to establish more agro-based industries in the state.

He was addressing the concluding session of a ‘National Workshop on Bio fuel from Agri Produce’ at Convention Hall, New Circuit House, Civil Lines, Raipur. The Chhattisgarh Bio-fuel Development Authority (CBDA) and Energy Department jointly organised the event.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between I.I.T Bhilai director Rajat Mona and special secretary, energy Qaiser Abdul Haque for preparation of high quality bio-fuel research and work plan.

Exhorting agriculture scientists, research institutions and industries, Baghel said farmers should get appropriate value for their produce like paddy, for which such strategy be made to generate bio fuel from paddy.

It can be beneficial for industries, generate employment for local residents and will help in conservation of environment and procurement of bio fuel, he added.

At minimum support price 80 lakh tone of paddy was procured at a rate of Rs 2500 per quintal, the CM said. The agriculture production is increasing in the state with betterment of irrigation facilities.

The states which were once procuring paddy from Chhattisgarh have also hiked their paddy production. Such situation warrants for generation of bio-fuel from paddy, the CM said.

Taking a cue from earlier effort to generate bio-diesel, Baghel said lessons should be learnt to move ahead.

Forest minister Mohammed Akbar, cooperative minister Premsai Singh and industries minister Kawasi Lakhma also addressed the session.