Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday inaugurated a ₹340-crore bio-ethanol plant established by the Vishwa Samudra Group in Nellore district, marking a major step towards green industrial development, farmer empowerment, and India’s ethanol blending goals.
The facility, set up at Edagali village in Venkatachalam mandal, aims to support local agriculture by purchasing damaged and broken rice from farmers to produce ethanol, while generating direct employment for 250 people and indirect opportunities for over 300.
“This project represents the convergence of green energy, industrial growth, and farmer welfare. It not only adds value to agricultural by-products but also strengthens the rural economy,” said Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu during the inauguration ceremony.
🌾 A Farmer-Friendly Green Initiative
The bio-ethanol plant, spread across 24 acres, has a daily production capacity of 200 kilolitres (KLPD) and includes a captive power generation unit. The ethanol produced will be supplied to oil marketing companies (OMCs) under the Government of India’s Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), which seeks to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase the ethanol blending rate in petrol to 20% by 2025.
Speaking about the initiative, Vishwa Samudra Group Chairman Chinta Sasidhar said:
“We have invested around ₹450 crore in the socio-economic development initiatives at Nandha Gokulam, including ₹340 crore in the bio-ethanol plant. This facility ensures additional income to farmers while contributing to India’s renewable energy mission.”
🏭 Boost to Local Economy and Employment
The plant will source approximately 15,000 tonnes of broken rice per month from over 300 rice mills located within a 250-kilometre radius. This system will ensure steady procurement, boost farmer incomes, and provide a consistent raw material base for ethanol production.
The grain-based ethanol refinery will play a dual role — supporting agricultural sustainability and reducing environmental pollution through the promotion of clean fuels.
“Ethanol production has witnessed rapid growth in the past few years, and Andhra Pradesh has the potential to emerge as a southern hub for biofuel manufacturing,” Mr. Sasidhar added.
🏫 CM Launches Socio-Economic Initiatives
During his visit, Chief Minister Naidu also inaugurated several other socio-economic initiatives under the Chinta Sasidhar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Vishwa Samudra Group, at the Nandha Gokulam campus.
These included the Nandha Gokulam Life School, designed to promote holistic education, and the Save the Bull Cause, a livestock welfare initiative aimed at preserving native breeds and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
The event was attended by Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy, Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, senior government officials, and community leaders.
⚙️ Key Highlights at a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Vishwa Samudra Bio-Ethanol Plant |
| Location | Edagali village, Venkatachalam mandal, Nellore district |
| Investment Cost | ₹340 crore |
| Total Investment by Group | ₹450 crore (including campus development) |
| Employment | 250 direct, 300+ indirect |
| Feedstock | Broken/damaged rice (15,000 tonnes per month) |
| Production Capacity | 200 KLPD (Kilolitres per day) |
| Land Area | 24 acres |
| Purpose | Supply to OMCs under Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) |
| Associated Initiatives | Life School, Save the Bull Cause |
🌱 Supporting India’s Ethanol Mission
The inauguration aligns with the Government of India’s Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), which aims to reduce crude oil imports, cut carbon emissions, and increase farmers’ income by promoting the use of surplus grains for ethanol production.
By utilizing broken rice that would otherwise go to waste, the Nellore plant contributes to both sustainability and food security, setting a model for future agribusiness investments in Andhra Pradesh.
