According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels?

1. Cassava
2. Damaged wheat grains
3. Groundnut seeds
4. Horse gram
5. Rotten potatoes
6. Sugar beet

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]

(a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only

(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

• The National Biofuel policy allows for the production of biofuels from a variety of raw materials. The policy permits the use of sugarcane juice, sugar-containing materials such as sugar beet and sweet sorghum.
• The policy also allows for the use of Starch-containing materials like corn and cassava, damaged food grains such as wheat, broken rice, and rotten potatoes that are unsuitable for human consumption. Therefore, options 1, 2, 5, and 6 are correct as per the policy.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.