India shifts ethanol focus to maize as E20 rollout gathers pace
India is accelerating maize-based ethanol production, with maize now contributing about 35% of ethanol output to support E20 fuel rollout. The shift aims to reduce reliance on water-intensive sugarcane, strengthen energy security, diversify feedstocks, and create new opportunities for farmers while managing food-fuel balance.
India is accelerating its transition towards maize-based ethanol as part of its ethanol blending programme, marking a shift from its traditional reliance on sugarcane to diversify feedstocks, improve energy security and support the nationwide rollout of E20 fuel.
The government’s ethanol blending programme has long depended on sugarcane, but concerns over the sustainability and scalability of the crop have prompted a change in strategy. With E20 petrol now being introduced, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said maize accounts for about 35% of India’s ethanol production, signalling a significant shift in the country’s biofuel mix, The Economic Times reported.
The move is aimed at addressing concerns over the high water requirement of sugarcane while expanding ethanol production through a crop that can be grown across a wider range of agro-climatic regions. Maize requires less water than sugarcane, offering farmers greater flexibility and helping reduce pressure on water resources.
The government also sees feedstock diversification as a way to strengthen energy security by reducing dependence on imported crude oil and ensuring a more stable supply of ethanol for blending with petrol. The E20 programme forms part of India’s broader strategy to cut carbon emissions, reduce oil imports and promote the use of domestically produced biofuels.
However, the transition is expected to require significant investment in maize procurement, storage and processing infrastructure. There are also concerns over balancing maize use for food and fuel, with agricultural economists warning that policy measures will be needed to avoid food price inflation and excessive dependence on a single crop.
Speaking to News18, Puri said the growing share of maize in ethanol production reflects the progress of the government’s biofuel strategy. He said the policy is intended not only to promote cleaner fuels but also to create new economic opportunities for farmers.
The shift towards maize-based ethanol represents the next phase of India’s biofuel programme as the government seeks to balance environmental sustainability, rural incomes and energy security through the expansion of E20 fuel.
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Source : ChiniMandi
