According to India's National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Answer: (a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only

Cassava, damaged wheat, rotten potatoes and sugar beet are all allowed.

Statement by statement

1. ✓ YES Cassava is a starchy feedstock allowed for ethanol.

2. ✓ YES Damaged food grains unfit for humans are allowed.

3. ✗ NO Groundnut seeds are not listed.

4. ✗ NO Horse gram is not listed.

5. ✓ YES Rotten potatoes are allowed.

6. ✓ YES Sugar beet is allowed.

The idea

The policy has one guiding worry: food versus fuel. Fuel should not threaten food supply. The policy allows specified sugar and starch crops, damaged food and authorised surplus grains. Good pulses and edible oilseeds are not listed ethanol feedstocks here.

Is it sugar or starch that can be fermented? → cassava, sugar beet → Is it food already unfit for people? → damaged wheat, rotten potatoes → Is it a listed ethanol feedstock? → groundnut, horse gram → not listed

The trap

Groundnut is an oilseed, so biodiesel comes to mind. The policy does not list it.

Also know

Generations of biofuel: first = from sugar, starch and vegetable oil; second = from crop residue such as rice straw and bagasse; third = from algae. Biodiesel is meant to come from non-edible oilseeds and used cooking oil. The 2022 amendment brought the target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol forward from 2030 to 2025–26.