ICAR promotes maize cultivation for ethanol production in Fazilka: Over 100 farmers attend “Field Day Program”
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and KVK Fazilka hosted a Field Day in Fazilka to promote maize cultivation for ethanol production, aligning with India’s 20% ethanol blending goal by 2025-26. Over 100 farmers attended, learning advanced farming techniques and sustainable practices, with a focus on aflatoxin-free maize production and mechanized, zero-tillage methods.
ICAR Promotes maize cultivation for ethanol production in Fazilka: Over 100 farmers attend “Field Day Program”HARISH MONGAFazilka, November 14, 2024: ICAR -Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana organized a “Field Day on Maize Programme” under the “Enhancement of Maize Production in Catchment Areas of Ethanol Industries” Project in collaboration with KVK Fazilka. The programme was organised on November 14, 2024, at Bazidpur Kattian Wali village, Tehsil Abohar, District Fazilka.
The project is being funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India and being anchored by ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana.Maize has emerged as a strategically important commercial crop in the country because of its use in making ethanol, which is blended with petrol. Maize is an important crop for poultry feed also. The Central Government, Ministry of Agriculture and farmers welfare are committed to increasing maize production and have set a target of 20% ethanol blending by 2025-2026. This initiative aims to bolster maize cultivation by providing farmers with high-quality seeds and essential knowledge to optimize their yields.
The demand for ethanol selling year 2024-25 is estimated to be over 10 million tonnes of Maize and thus its production enhancement has sunrise potential.It commenced with a detailed presentation on advanced maize farming techniques, emphasizing sustainable practices and the benefits of using superior seed varieties. The aflatoxin-free quality maize production practices were discussed with the farmers for suitable industrial uses for bioethanol and feed. Attendees were educated on the pivotal role of maize in ethanol production and its contribution to the local economy. as it will significantly reduce GHG emissions and also contains less airborne pollutants compared to fossil fuels, is highly biodegradable and less toxic and also saves a lot on the import bill of the country.
The adoption of zero tillage and mechanized maize cultivation is emphasized in this regard.Dr SL Jat, Senior Scientist and PI of the Project expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Front line demonstration and is hopeful that the Fazilka, Bathinda and Faridkot clusters can be a potential area for maize cultivation. Drs. Ph Romen Sharma, B S Jat scientists from ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana and Drs. Arvind Ahlawat, Senior Scientist, head of KVK Fazilka, Dr Prakash Chand Gurjar, SMS, participated in the above meeting and highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating. Dr Parminder Singh, BAO, also interacted with the farmers and highlighted the importance of maize for sustainable and livelihood security.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where farmers could voice their concerns and seek expert advice. The positive response from the farming community underscores the success of the programme and its potential to drive future agricultural innovations. More than 100 farmers participated in the field day programme.
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