IMMT and University of Saskatchewan, Canada jointly organized the Indo-Canadian Workshop on “Awareness and Implementation of Biodiesel Fuel in India” at Bhubaneswar on 4th September, 2007. The workshop was co-sponsored by Sastri Indo-Canadian Institute, Canada.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mrs. Rajalaxmi, Additional Secretary and Chief Administrator, KBK, Govt. of Orissa. Prof. BK Mishra, Director, IMMT delivered the welcome address.

Mrs C Bibeau (Canadian Embassy, New Delhi), Prof. DP Ray (VC, OUAT, Bhubaneswar) and Dr. GV Sankar spoke on the occasion. Other scientists and experts who address this convention are Dr. AK Dalai (Professor and Canada Research Chair in Bioenergy, University of Saskatchewan, Canada), Dr. V Kale, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad), Dr. SN Naik (Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi), Dr. M Paramathma (Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore), Dr. H Reheman (Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur), Shri A Bharthuar (Orissa Renewable Energy Development Agency, Bhubaneswar) , Mr. RK Chatruvedi (Chhattisgarh Biofuel Board) and Ms. Sridevi, ICRIST, Hyderabad.

Over 150 delegates from various Universities, industries, government institutions, biofuel boards, and NGOs participated in the workshop held to discuss issues covering state-of-the-art biodiesel production processes, oilseed plantations, and biofuel policy. The discussions also included future and current collaboration between India and Canada on bio-fuels. A visit to the integrated bio-diesel plant installed by DST was organized by Dr. M K Mohanty (Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar). Dr KM Parida (Scientist, IMMT) convened the Workshop.