India's ethanol production gradually shifts from sugar to maize and rice

The percentage of India's ethanol made from foodgrains like maize and rice increased from 37.4% to 51% this year.

Published on: Jun 27, 2024, 10:25:09 IST

By HT News Desk | Edited by Abhyjith K. Ashokan

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

India achieved higher production of ethanol from grains like maize, compared to sugar, after the government’s push away from sugar for producing ethanol, Mint wrote, adding that the share of ethanol produced from grain is currently at 51% for November 2023-October 2024, citing two officials who had access to the information.

Maize, or corn, the third most-grown cereal, has emerged as a strategically important commercial crop in the country because of its use in making ethanol, which is blended with petrol (HT)

Also Read: Nod for use of molasses stock in ethanol production likely to affect polls in 19 seats

In 2022-23, only 37.4% of India’s ethanol came from grains.

How much ethanol did India produce?

Till June 9, India produced 357.12 crore litres of ethanol, of which, 175.74 crore litres came from sugar and 181.38 crore litres from grain, the article read.

Maize alone contributed 110.82 crore litres, with the remaining coming from damaged foodgrain and surplus rice from the Food Corporation of India, according to Mint.

Also Read: HPCL’s project on managing crop residue misses another deadline

The government’s deadline for achieving E20 (20% ethanol blended) petrol is 2025-26, with 12.7% achieved currently, against the target of 15% this year. This is to reduce Inida’s dependence on imported crude oil.

Why is the government discouraging the use of sugar to produce ethanol?

The government has been discouraging the use of sugar to produce ethanol owing to the crop's tendency to be a water-guzzler. One acre of land producing 60-80 tonnes of sugarcane requires nine lakh litres of water twice a month on average, according to a Mongabay-India report.

Also Read: Lift ban on sugar exports, relax limits on ethanol blending: Pawar

It also says that India will require 1320 million tons of sugarcane, 19 million hectares of additional land and 348 billion cubic metres of extra water to produce enough ethanol to meet the 20% ethanol blending target of 2025.

On similar lines, a NITI Aayog report says that just one litre of ethanol produced from sugarcane consumes at least 2,860 litres of water.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay updated with the latest Business News on Petrol Price, Gold Rate, Silver Rates, Diesel Prices along with Income Tax Calculator