BJP Spokesperson Highlights Benefits of Ethanol Blending Programme for Meerut Farmers

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari recently visited several villages in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut district to discuss the benefits of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme with local farmers. The programme, launched by the Centre, aims to blend ethanol with petrol to reduce dependence on foreign oil and promote rural development.

According to Bhandari, the farmers in Fafunda and Chandasara villages reported a significant reduction in their dependence on local moneylenders (sahukars) due to timely payments for their sugarcane. They also noted an increase in sugarcane procurement rates, giving them a renewed sense of financial security.

In addition to these benefits, the farmers mentioned that the programme has opened up new markets for their crop, providing an additional avenue for sale beyond traditional channels.

Bhandari stated that the ground-level feedback confirms that the ethanol blending programme is in the interest of farmers, boosting their incomes, reducing debt dependency, and strengthening their economic confidence. He also addressed concerns raised by AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, stating that the programme actually improves car acceleration and benefits corn, rice, and sugarcane farmers.

Bhandari highlighted that corn farmers have a 40% contribution in ethanol-blended petrol and are getting Rs 2,400 per quintal rate after blending, nearly doubling their income. He also mentioned that leftover rice is being used in ethanol blending, benefiting farmers with additional payments.