Chhattisgarh looking to pioneer rice-based ethanol production

In India, the Business Standard newspaper reports that Chhattisgarh is exploring the possibility of becoming the first state in the country to produce ethanol from rice. The region is a top rice producer but the state’s chief minister is convinced such a project would not lead to an increase in rice prices. The Indian Institute of Technology (Bhilai) is working with the state on the project’s assessment. Rice prices were recently provided minimum support to farmers ahead of elections.