Towards green development: Jagan launches Rs 270 cr bio-ethanol plant in East Godavari

East Godavari: In another push to advance industrial development in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday laid the foundation stone of the Rs. 270 crore bio-ethanol production plant that is being built by Assago Industries at Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Park in Gummalladoddi, East Godavari.

The greenfield ethanol plant is a grain-based, zero-liquid discharge plant which will have the capacity to produce around two lakh litres of bio-ethanol fuel per day. Besides, the project will generate 500 jobs.

Terming the development an outcome of talks in Davos and an example of ease of doing business in the state, Jagan highlighted that the state is moving towards the path of green development.

"Assago was looking for land in a suitable area so I asked them to build the bio-ethanol plant in East Godavari in May and today, we have been able to ground the project within six months, which has only been possible due to our current 'East of Doing Business' policy," Jagan said.

Jagan reiterated that under YSRCP, a suitable environment and appropriate opportunities have been provided for industrial development.

Highlighting that the ethanol plant will act as a boon for the local farmers, the Chief Minister said, "After the setting up of the ethanol plant, the farmers will be able to sell their harvest at an appropriate price even if the crops are spoiled due to harsh weather conditions. Our government has ensured that no farmer has to bear the loss."

He added, "The plant will provide the farmers with a magic bullet. The broken, damaged, discoloured grains and maize will receive a marketing facility instantly. The facility will also produce byproducts like fish and livestock feed."

Jagan further said that the project will provide 100 direct and 400 indirect employment opportunities for the locals.

The Chief Minister asserted that the state is stepping towards a green path and is aiming at reducing carbon emissions. Addressing the public, he also recalled the Centre's mandate of blending 20% bio-ethanol in every litre of petrol by 2025-26. "I call upon every farmer to support this initiative to achieve environmental balance," Jagan said.