India Ranks Among World’s Top Five In Solar Energy, Says PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi on Sunday declared that India has emerged as one of the top five countries in the world for solar energy capacity.

Addressing a public gathering, he said India has made remarkable progress in renewable energy over the past decade.

“A decade ago, India lagged in solar power production. Today, we stand among the top five countries globally in solar energy capacity,” PM Modi said.

He added that India must adopt alternative fuels to reduce its dependence on oil and gas, naming ethanol as a promising option.

Ethanol Plant in Assam to Benefit Farmers

PM Modi inaugurated a new ethanol plant in Assam that will produce ethanol from bamboo. He said the initiative would directly benefit farmers and tribal communities.

“We are making arrangements to ensure a steady bamboo supply for the bio-ethanol plant. The government will support farmers in cultivating bamboo and will procure it directly,” he stated.

He also announced that small bamboo-chipping units would be set up in the region, with nearly ₹200 crore spent annually in this sector. He stressed that this single plant would provide livelihood opportunities to thousands of people.

The Prime Minister reminded the public that under previous governments, cutting bamboo could even lead to imprisonment. He said his government lifted the ban, enabling bamboo to become a major source of income for local communities.

“Bamboo is integral to tribal life, and today, it is driving prosperity in the North East,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi Explains Assam’s Role in Semiconductor Mission

PM Modi said Assam has been chosen as a hub for India’s Semiconductor Mission. He emphasised the importance of semiconductors in products ranging from mobile phones and cars to satellites and aircraft.

“To manufacture these products in India, we must produce our own chips. That is why the Semiconductor Mission is crucial, and Assam is playing a major role in it,” he said.

He revealed that a semiconductor factory worth ₹27,000 crore is under rapid construction in Morigaon, calling it a matter of pride for Assam.

“Just as Assam Tea became a global brand, I believe Assam will also shine in energy and semiconductor production,” the Prime Minister added.

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