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Odisha university partners with BPCL to promote bio-fuel
Bhubaneswar, Dec 24 (IANS) Odisha’s University of Agriculture and Technology and state-run Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) on Sunday signed an agreement to develop and promote rice straw based bio-fuel production in the state.
A ‘Biofuel Chair’ would be set up in the university to conduct research for screening of best agricultural crops and develop new agricultural varieties that can yield more cellulose content.
The petroleum company will provide financial support of Rs 5 crore to the university for effective utilisation of paddy straw for bio-fuel production in a bio-chemical enzymatic process.
Out of the total budget allocation, Rs 2 crore will be used as a corpus for the chair and Rs 3 crore as research contingency for development, establishment and popularization of the bio-fuel production technology, said an official.
The endeavour is in line with the policy decision for supplementation of 10 per cent straw-based ethanol for increasing fuel efficiency and reducing the pressure on fossil fuel.
Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who was present at the signing of the agreement, said the university would help BPCL in strengthening technical support for ensuring smooth functioning of the 2G ethanol bio-refinery at Bargarh in Odisha.
“We should promote and extend support for agri-business in Odisha and reach new markets across the globe. This would empower our younger generation and enhance the income of youths and farmers,” said Pradhan.
He also proposed that the university establish an agri-business incubation centre in the campus to promote students, farmers and young entrepreneurs in Odisha.
He urged the state government to extend all cooperation for the establishment of the incubation centre. The large acreage and production of rice in the state has provided ample opportunities to excel in promotion of rice straw based bio-fuel production.
Being the staple food, rice is grown in all the agro-climatic zones of the state.
At present, Odisha has an annual rice production of 85 lakh tonnes with approximate production of 100 lakh tonnes of rice straw. Except for use as fodder and a few domestic purposes, there is almost no economic utilization of rice straw. Now, it has become a prime necessity to think of alternative economic utilization of rice straw.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.