Impact of Fuel Scarcity and Pollution on Rural Poor, 2004 Himachal Pradesh
The project was funded by Global Development Network (GDN)
through its regional working group (SANEI) South Asian Network, New Delhi. The research project assessed the impact of scarcity of clean fuels and traditional fuels. It assessed in economic terms the impact of pollution from the use of traditional bio-fuels on vulnerable groups of rural poor in Himachal Pradesh in the context of their socio-economic circumstances, access to fuel, needs and willingness to pay for cleaner fuels. The key results included the household energy consumption pattern, cooking behavior, health profile, analysis of vulnerable groups and toll on human resources, which showed that about 21% of rural adults, might be having some respiratory symptoms.
Integrated Analysis of Diesel Substitutes from Oil Seeds for India:
This study reviewed the entire mechanism, beginning from an overview of the best biodiesel tree plantation practices extraction and processing of oil and finally the end uses of the product. A policy framework for land availability for oil seeds plantation, minimum support price for seeds, subsidies for farmers for raising plantations, tax exemption for entrepreneurs and sale of biodiesel is suggested. Institutional mechanisms for raising nursery and plantation and for carrying out R&D are also required. Financial incentives could be provided to oil companies as they will ensure quality oil and take various types of risks. An action plan to reduce cost of production, increase financial viability and market linkages was also discussed for biodiesel production.