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Caution on Biofuel Use…

At his recent speech at the European Parliament, Dr Pachauri highlighted an important interplay between energy and food security. He referred to the increased global push to develop biofuels, and its potential impact on food supplies. Though he mainly cited the US policy of converting corn (maize) into ethanol for use as a transport fuel, his comments are very relevant to the existing scenario in India as well. Even the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that diverting food crop land to extensive cultivation for biofuels would damage biodiversity and lead to a serious threat to food security.

Now, where does India stand in this biofuels debate? There is already food deficit. Statistics highlight that last year the country imported food, and this year we are likely to follow suit. Besides, there are commitments to maintain a certain reserve quantity; then there are policies like PDS programs, food-for-work programs, mid-day meals, that need to be sustained. More alarming is the forecast that food prices will increase by 20 to 40 per cent in the next decade. Any attempt to divert land for bio-fuel depends upon the energy inputs, cost of production and environmental impact.

It may be argued that the country’s choice of jatropha is ideal as it can be cultivated in wastelands. The expectation is that 98 million acres of wasteland can be brought under jatropha cultivation to reduce 20 per cent of the country’s diesel consumption by 2011. Another argument in favor of jatropha by the proponents is that little attention and inputs are required. These are mostly estimates though. There are very few detailed studies on this issue thus far.

Dr Pachauri’s "words of caution" point to the fact that we need to assess our current plans on biofuels and draw up a policy and a strategy keeping India’s socio-economic scenario in mind. Our biofuel policy, whenever it takes shape, has to keep in mind the food security issue.

The central government and the high-level planners need to think hard on the biofuels option in India…

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