September 16, 2010

India and Brazil look into ethanol, agri investment prospects

India and Brazil are exploring possibilities of collaboration in ethanol production and agriculture investment.

Brazil is the world's second largest producer of ethanol fuel as well as the largest exporter.

The matter was taken up by an Indian delegation led by Agriculture and Food minister Sharad Pawar during a meeting with Brazil minister for agriculture, livestock and food supply Wagner Rossi last week, according to an official release.

Both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, including possibilities of cooperation in production of ethanol and investment in agriculture, it added.

The 13-member Indian delegation met with officials of the Brazilian ministry of agriculture in Sao Paulo and also Directors of UNICA, who made a presentation on the Brazilian sugar and ethanol industry.

The team also visited Equipav Sugar Mill and Biopav Sugar Mill, which have been recently acquired by Shree Renuka Sugars of India. Pawar laid the foundation stone for the Biopav Mill expansion project. Later, the delegation proceeded to the plant of General Motors to study flex-fuel cars.