KSBDB observes World Bio Fuel Day

KSBDB observes World Bio Fuel Day

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, August 10, 2012: The Karnataka State Bio Fuel Development Board (KSBDB) in association with DK Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat observed World Bio Fuel Day on Aug 10, Friday in the Taluk Panchayat Auditorium in Mangalore.

Prof. Airody Vasudev Adhikari, coordinator of information and documentation centre, KSBDB, NIT-K, Suratkal, spoke on producing bio-fuel from neem, simaruba, honge, jatropha, and other herbs. Listing the benefits of bio fuel, he said that bio diesel generated from non edible oils and waste fatty matter can be used as an alternative fuel. A litre of bio diesel costs only Rs. 48, making it ideal to be used as fuel for water pumps, vehicles, and generators. Besides, bio fuel does not pollute the environment.

 

Further, he said that 70 percent of the nation’s wealth is spent on importing petroleum products from foreign countries. If Karnataka becomes self-reliant and produces its own fuel, it can help reduce the country’s import bill of petroleum products. He suggested that the state must launch bio-fuel programs to increase rural income. People should be made aware of cultivating oil seed and generating bio fuel, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Vasudeva said that the NIT-K has planned to inaugurate a seed collection centre in coming days, where seeds can be collected from farmers and growers. He said that they need funds from the central government to improve the centre so that research can be conducted on bio fuel. He also suggested that such centres must be set up in all districts, taluks, and villages so that farmers can obtain information and other assistance from the centres.

Janardhan Gowda, president of Social Justice Standing Committee, said that DK hardly does anything to preserve the environment. He spoke of the importance of producing bio fuel from oil seeds and contributing to national economy.

Delivering the inaugural address, ZP CEO K. N. Vijayaprakash said that the state government supports bio fuel research.

TP President Bhavy Gangadhara Poojary presided. ZP Vice President Dhanalakshmi Janardhana and TP Vice President Vijayalakshmi Shetty were also present.