New Delhi, Sept. 15 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's significant progress in green energy, stating that the country is now among the top five globally in solar energy capacity, a stark contrast to a decade ago.

He emphasized the need for alternative fuels like ethanol to reduce oil and gas dependence, noting that a newly inaugurated ethanol plant in Assam, which uses bamboo, will benefit local farmers and tribal communities.

The government plans to support bamboo cultivation and procurement, with annual investments of approximately Rs 200 crore expected in this sector, creating thousands of jobs. The Prime Minister contrasted this with past restrictions on bamboo cutting under previous governments.

Modi also pointed ...