This policy paper addresses the rapidly evolving energy sector of India and the growth of first-generation biofuels as an alternative to fossil-based transportation fuels.

This paper estimates instability for the aggregate of the crop sector as well as for the sub-sectors and important commodities at the national and state level.

Biofuels are globally considered sustainable and ecofriendly source of energy to enhance national energy security and decrease dependence on imported fossil fuels. During the past one decade, Government of India (GoI) has initiated several measures to augment production and use of biofuels.

This policy brief covers factors such as yield gain, reduction in insecticide use, benefits to farmers and consumers, and policy implications of adopting Bt brinjal hybrids.The brief estimates economic gains from the Bt brinjal hybrids annually to be Rupee 577 crore (US$126 million) assuming adoption rate of 15%, Rupee 1167 crore (US$255 million) at 30% adoption rate and Rupee 2387 crore

Agriculture and agri

Amongst several commodities moving across India-ASEAN borders, agricultural commodities acclaim an irrefutable importance. Today, agricultural trade is a major pillar of India

This paper examines trend in fertiliser use at national and state level and estimates imbalances in use of plant nutrients in different regions. The paper estimates regional disparities in fertiliser use and in benefits of fertiliser subsidy from different angles. Trend in fertiliser subsidy is presented in nominal and real terms and distortions caused by the subsidies are discussed at length.