Nitin Gadkari calls Ethanol blending a step towards diversification of agricultural sector

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday (October 1, 2026) said that Bihar is witnessing transformative growth backed by expanding infrastructure, improved connectivity, skilled human capital, and a strengthening investment ecosystem. He added that the State holds immense potential to emerge as a major hub for industry, enterprise and innovation.

During the inaugural session of Rising Bihar Investor Summit 2026:The Emerging Investment Destination of India, organised in Patna, Mr. Gadkari asserted that a prosperous Bihar will play a vital role in realising our collective vision of a Viksit Bharat, powered by investment, employment and inclusive growth.

Mr. Gadkari also mentioned that excellent work is being done in Bihar under the leadership of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary who was also present on the occasion. He said that, driven by this strong determination, Bihar is poised to become prosperous and developed state in the future, and assured that the Central government would extend its full support to the State’s development.

He debunked claims that blending ethanol with petrol was damaging motor vehicles, asserting that it facilitated diversification of the agriculture sector adding that that since 2022, 4 crore four-wheelers and 20 crore two-wheelers have been running on petrol mixed with ethanol.

“I challenge anybody to come up with the complaint that his or her vehicle has suffered damage on this account. Of course, those with vested interests may have some other story to tell,” said Mr. Gadkari.

He further said, ”We must understand that the decision to blend ethanol with petrol was taken with a view to diversify agriculture towards energy and power sectors. Our farmers shall no longer remain ‘anna data’ (food producers), but become ‘urja data’ (energy producers).”

He also claimed all leading automobile brands have tried running their vehicles even on 100% ethanol, and there have been no complaints.

“Of course, we are importing (conventional fuel) worth ₹22 lakh crore, and those who feel that their business will get hit are bound to feel bad. But let me tell you, I am the Minister in charge of the Department concerned. All leading automobile brands have tried running their vehicles even on 100% ethanol. And there have been no complaints,” he said.

Mr. Gadkari pointed out that they have even made aviation fuel with rice straw and the future belongs to innovation, technology and research, and a State like Bihar has to play a key role in this direction.

The Minister said Bihar was “rich, but its people are not as poor as they ought to be”, adding that he saw immense potential in sectors like tourism.

Bihar CM, on the other hand, urged investors to believe in and build in Bihar, promising that his government will provide them with a “big market if your produce is found up to the mark”.

“Priority will be given in government procurement to products manufactured in Bihar that meet quality standards; the government will purchase 25% of such products and also work towards providing market access,” Mr. Choudhary said.