The Union Cabinet has approved modifications to the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana.
Pradhan Mantri Ji-Van Yojana
The schme was notified in March 2019.
Aims to provide financial support to integrated bio-ethanol projects for setting up Second Generation (2G) ethanol projects by using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstocks.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Modified Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana
Objective: The modifications aim to align the scheme with the latest advancements in biofuel technologies and attract increased investment in the sector.
The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana promotes the production and use of advanced biofuels, particularly ethanol.
Goals: To reduce environmental pollution, support farmers, create local jobs, and enhance India’s energy security.
Recent Amendment and Extension: The scheme’s timeline has been extended by five years, now running until the financial year 2028-29.
New Feedstocks: Includes advanced biofuels made from lignocellulosic feedstocks such as agricultural and forestry residues, industrial waste, synthesis gas, and algae.
Project Types: Introduces eligibility for “Bolt on” plants and “Brownfield projects,” allowing the use of existing facilities and technologies for advanced biofuel production.
The scheme now prioritizes projects that use new technologies and diverse types of feedstocks.
Benefits of the Scheme
Provides farmers with income by using agricultural residues (e.g., leftover stalks) as feedstock for biofuel production.
Helps mitigate environmental pollution by repurposing waste materials that would otherwise be burned or discarded.
Generates local employment opportunities through the establishment and operation of biofuel plants.
Supports India’s aim of becoming more self-reliant in energy by promoting domestically produced biofuels.
Focuses on supporting the development of technologies that convert surplus biomass and industrial waste into ethanol, contributing to cleaner and more sustainable fuel alternatives.
This modification of the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana represents a significant step towards modernizing India's biofuel sector, fostering innovation, and addressing environmental and economic challenges.
