UPSC Prelims 2020 Q84: Environment & Ecology – Renewable Energy & Green Technologies
- (a) 1, 2, 5 and 6
- (b) 1, 3, 4 and 6
- (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5
- (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Answer: (a) 1, 2, 5 and 6
Explanation
Biofuels: Raw Material Eligibility (India's National Policy)
| Material | Eligible for biofuel production? |
|---|---|
| 1. Cassava | YES - starch-based |
| 2. Damaged wheat | YES - waste grain |
| 3. Groundnut seeds | NO - edible oilseed, food security concern |
| 4. Horse gram | YES - underutilized legume |
| 5. Rotten potatoes | YES - waste produce |
| 6. Sugar beet | YES - feedstock |
India's biofuel policy: Prioritizes non-food feedstocks (cellulose, waste biomass) over food crops (groundnut, cotton seed). Avoids food security risks.
Eligible: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 (NOT 3). Answer: (a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 - Best match if option exists.
Answer: (a) 1, 2, 5 and 6.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Cassava, damaged wheat, horse gram, rotten potatoes, sugar beet are eligible. Groundnut (3) is excluded (food crop concerns).
- (b) Incorrect. Groundnut seeds (3) are NOT eligible.
- (c) Incorrect. Groundnut (3) excluded; other candidates missing.
- (d) Incorrect. Groundnut (3) excluded as it creates food security conflict.
Key point
Biofuel feedstock strategy: First-generation (sugarcane, cassava) vs Second-generation (cellulose, algae). India policy = avoid food competition. Damaged grains, waste produce preferred.
Remember
Under India's National Policy on Biofuels, eligible raw materials include: (1) Cassava (starch crop), (2) Damaged wheat grains (waste), (5) Rotten potatoes (waste), (6) Sugar beet (energy crop). Groundnut seeds (3) are NOT eligible due to food security concerns. Horse gram (4) is also eligible as underutilized crop.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all crops eligible. Food crops restricted to preserve food security (India's concern post-2008 food crisis).
- Confusing groundnut seeds with other oilseeds. Groundnut is edible; coconut waste is acceptable.
- Missing 'damaged' + 'rotten' distinction - waste materials are encouraged, perfect produce avoided.
Exam tip
India's biofuel target: 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2030 (E20). Focus on sugarcane ethanol (mature), algae biodiesel (emerging). Avoids food crop diversion.
Sources
- Ministry of Petroleum - National Policy on Biofuels
- NITI Aayog - Biofuel Strategy for India