Question 49 from UPSC CSE 2020 - ENVIRONME NT

Question

According to India's National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels?
1. Cassava
2. Damaged wheat grains
3. Groundnut seeds
4. Horse grams
5. Rotten potatoes
6. Sugar beet
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1, 2, 5, and 6 only

Strategy: The strategy focuses on identifying feedstocks officially recognized under India's National Policy on Biofuels. Cassava, damaged wheat grains, rotten potatoes, and sugar beet are explicitly cited as possible raw materials for ethanol production. Groundnut seeds and horse gram, as edible pulses and oilseeds, are typically excluded to prevent food-fuel conflict. This aligns with the policy's distinction between edible and non-edible feedstocks, prioritizing sustainability and food security.

Key Info: India's National Policy on Biofuels (2018) promotes the use of non-food feedstocks, waste, and surplus/inedible materials for biofuel production to avoid competition with food crops.

- **Bioethanol feedstocks include:**
  - Sugar-containing materials (sugarcane juice, sugar beet, sweet sorghum)
  - Starch-based materials (cassava, rotten potatoes, corn, surplus/damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice)
  - Cellulosic and lignocellulosic biomass (agri-residues, bagasse, forestry waste)
  - Industrial waste, algae, and MSW for advanced (second/third generation) biofuels
- **Damaged food grains:** Grains unfit for human consumption, such as damaged wheat or broken rice, are specifically allowed as bioethanol feedstock, especially during surplus phases.
- **Non-edible oilseeds:** Designated for biodiesel production; examples include Jatropha, Pongamia, Mahua, neem, and karanja. Edible oilseeds like groundnut are consciously excluded to ensure that food security is not compromised.
- **Rotten potatoes and cassava:** Both are high in starch content and are recognized as feedstocks for ethanol production. Utilizing by-products, waste, and otherwise discarded produce aligns with the policy's focus on sustainable, resource-efficient biofuel generation.
- **Sugar beet:** Officially listed for conversion to bioethanol as a sugar/starch-rich crop.
- **Pulses and edible oilseeds:** Pulses such as horse gram and oilseeds like groundnut are neither designated non-edible oilseeds nor generally promoted as biofuel feedstocks in national policy, as their edible value outweighs biofuel use and would interfere with food security.
- **Policy context:** The policy aims for energy security, farmer income augmentation (by covering low-value waste produce), and environmental sustainability by encouraging non-edible, otherwise unmarketable agricultural output for biofuel generation.

Answer

Option B: 1, 3, 4, and 6 only

Answer

Option C: 2, 3, 4, and 5 only

Answer

Option D: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

According to India's National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? Cassava Damaged wheat grains Groundnut seeds Horse grams Rotten potatoes Sugar beet Select the correct answer using the code given below:

According to India's National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels?

Cassava

Damaged wheat grains

Groundnut seeds

Horse grams

Rotten potatoes

Sugar beet
Select the correct answer using the code given below: