Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary on Monday inspected the ethanol plant in Nawanagar, located in Buxar district. During their visit, the plant’s CMD, Ajay Singh, welcomed the leaders and briefed them on the technical processes involved in ethanol production, along with details about the plant’s current capacity and future prospects.
Singh informed the Chief Minister that the government’s existing ethanol supply order accounts for only half of the plant’s total production capacity. He said the reduced allocation is disrupting operations, creating financial strain, and posing a serious challenge to the future of the industry. He also submitted a memorandum requesting that the government revise the supply order to fully align with the plant’s capacity.
According to him, the ethanol sector in Bihar could face long-term setbacks if timely corrective measures are not taken. Plant employees echoed these concerns, highlighting fears over job security. They submitted a joint application to the Chief Minister, stating that the reduced supply order was directly impacting production and creating uncertainty about the plant’s future.
They urged the government to ensure that supply allocations reflect the plant’s actual production potential, saying this would help stabilize operations and safeguard their livelihoods. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar heard the concerns raised by both the management and employees and assured them that the government would examine the issue with seriousness, reported IANS.
He reaffirmed that promoting the ethanol industry remains a key priority for the state government and that necessary steps would be taken soon. The visit by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister is being viewed as significant for Bihar’s ethanol sector, particularly as the state continues to implement policy reforms aimed at expanding ethanol production. Considered one of the state’s leading units, the Buxar plant now awaits favourable government action following this high-level review.
