Address During the Plenary Session of Bio-Diesel Conference Towards Energy Independence, Rashtrapati Nilaya, Bolaram, Secunderabad

I am very happy that over hundred delegates participated in the two days' conference on Bio-diesel towards energy independence yesterday and today. You have already heard the summary of the Conference presented by Dr. Panjab Singh. He will very soon finalize the recommendations of the Conference within the next three days which will be sent to all the members. I would suggest the following action for realizing energy independence before 2030.

a. There is a need to identify large industries in the area of bio-fuel production and establish a link between them and three or four research and development labs so that they can work towards optimization of the value chain.

b. The bio-diesel must find application in rural electrification.

c. A special taxation policy needs to be evolved for making bio-diesel attractive to produces since use of bio-diesel offers many social benefits such as rural employment generation and promotion of clean environment.

d. I find large size bio-diesel plants using palm oil as input is getting established. It is necessary that these plants should switch over to the indigenously produced jatropha very soon.

e. A few states have started working with farmers for establishing large scale jatropha plantation. This model needs to be followed by other states as well.

f. There is an urgent need to create a national mission for bio-diesel at the centre and the creation of bio-diesel boards at the State level. This two-tier structure which will facilitate all the stakeholders to work in a co-ordinated manner to realize our vision.

g. An appropriate name has to be found for bio-diesel.

h. There is a need to carry out research on tissue culture of jatropha for multiplying quality plants in different parts of the country.

All these actions taken simultaneously in an integrated action will enable the nation to realize the goal of producing six million tonnes of bio-diesel by 2010 and sixty million tonnes of bio-diesel by 2030. If you all agree let us collectively take an Oath which I have specially designed for this Conference.

Oath for the members of Bio-diesel Conference on Energy Independence

1. I realize, Bio-fuel mission, indeed has given me an opportunity, to give the nation, a green fuel.

2. By giving the Nation green fuel, I am assisting the people of the present and future generations of the Nation, to live in a beautiful and green environment.

3. Mission of green fuel, is indeed bigger then me and I will face all the challenges, coming in the way and succeed in this Mission as a team.

May God bless you.