Dr. Pramod Chaudhary’s work in the ethanol sector is a form of national service by a visionary entrepreneur – CM Fadnavis

Pune, 8th June 2025: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised Dr. Pramod Chaudhary’s work in the ethanol sector, describing it as a form of national service by a visionary entrepreneur. Fadnavis was speaking at the release of Dr. Chaudhary’s book, “Pailatiravarun… Tar As Zhaal”, which chronicles Dr. Chaudhary’s entrepreneurial journey.

The book release ceremony was held at the auditorium of COEP Technological University yesterday. Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal’s President Prof. Milind Joshi, Vishal Soni, CEO of Vishwakarma Publications, and Atul Mulay, Chairman of Praj’s Bioenergy Business, were also present on the occasion.

Devendra Fadnavis said, “During the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government at the center, the initiative to increase the ethanol blending percentage had begun. A study group was sent to Brazil to research this topic. They submitted a report that was approved, and a policy was to be formulated. However, the Vajpayee government left office, and discussions about the potential impact of increased ethanol use on food security emerged, causing the topic to be put on the backburner and delaying the ethanol mission.”

After the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014, the ethanol topic gained momentum again. Implementing a policy is always challenging, but Dr. Pramod Chaudhary reviewed the ethanol policy and provided suggestions that were incorporated into it. Since 2017-18, progress has accelerated, and Dr. Chaudhary’s contributions to this field have been significant, he added.

Fadnavis noted that blending 20% ethanol with petrol has resulted in savings of over ₹1 lakh crore in foreign exchange. He also mentioned that Praj’s contributions to supporting sugar factories have been substantial. He added that ethanol is being used in aviation fuel and that vehicles will run on biofuels in the future.

Fadnavis highlighted the potential for creating a policy to make current plastics biodegradable, which could lead to the development of industries based on this technology. He mentioned that Dr. Chaudhary had prepared a report on creating a Compressed Biogas (CBG) project using agricultural waste, rice waste, and Mahua flower waste in Gadchiroli. Fadnavis said that the state government would develop a policy to promote the development of the Gadchiroli district based on Dr. Chaudhary’s report.

Prof. Milind Joshi praised Dr. Chaudhary’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach, saying that his book would inspire young entrepreneurs and innovators. Dr. Chaudhary said that his book was not an autobiography but a collection of experiences and lessons learned in the ethanol sector. Vishal Soni delivered the publisher’s introduction, Manjiri Dhamankar moderated the event, and Atul Mulay proposed a vote of thanks.