The Effects Of Biofuels On The Farm
Many countries view biofuel as the best alternative fuel to reduce dependency on natural oil. Governments also see it as an answer to avoid importing oil from other countries. Environmentalists are considering these fuels because of their non-pollutant nature. And of course, biofuel can help solve fuel crisis that the world is facing. However, biofuel also comes with its disadvantages. |
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In the US, biofuels are made from grains of corn. Studies are underway to produce biofuel from algae and other waste material. But for the time being, local markets are dependent mainly on corn to supply their needs for biofuel. According to statistics, by 2010, 30 % of food stocks will go entirely in the production of biofuel. This year alone, farmers had to grow additional 6.5 to 7.5 million acres of corn. Prices of corn have gone up. As a result more farmers are looking at the option of growing corn in their fields. Corn has taken over the land that was previously being used to grow staple grains. This has resulted in shortage of food supply. Along with energy crisis, we also have to deal with food crisis now.
Mexico is a country which thrives mainly on corn diet. Here, the price of food has gone up by almost 60%. India and China use corn for livestock. But the increase in price of corn has resulted in overall increase of food price by 11 per cent and 8 per cent respectively. Food prices across the world are higher by 20% and are steadily going up even as we speak. Food riots are increasing, thus destabilizing the governments. This is disturbing news especially since the number of hungry people is on a rise than ever before.
This is an unintended consequence of our enthusiasm while looking for alternative fuels. We did not take into account the effect of increase in production of corn. Corn has become popular and is in demand. Every farmer is now looking at growing corn as a lucrative business. While farms might be prospering, people are becoming hungrier by the day.
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Technology has made it possible to produce biofuel from any given material; be it biomass or waste products. There are plenty of biofuels available in the market today. They have their advantages and disadvantages. Hence all need to be worked upon in their present state to convert them into effective fuels. 
