Dual feed: Maharashtra government allows ethanol production from food grains
The Maharashtra government has approved ethanol production from grains like maize and rice, aligning with national blending targets. This dual-feed policy allows distilleries to operate year-round, easing dependence on sugarcane. WISMA hailed the move as a game-changer, enabling greater flexibility, profitability, and stability for the sugar and ethanol industries.
The Maharashtra government has approved the use of food grains like maize and rice for ethanol production through the dual feed method, to be blended with petrol. According to a recent order from the state home department, the ethanol produced from these grains cannot be used for liquor manufacturing.
With this new policy, distilleries can operate year-round, including during periods when sugarcane is unavailable.
The West Indian Sugar Mills Association (WISMA) has welcomed the Maharashtra government’s progressive move to allow sugar mill distilleries to produce ethanol from both molasses and grain feedstocks. This significant decision aligns Maharashtra with other leading states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, and will provide a fresh impetus to the state’s sugar and ethanol industries.
WISMA Chairman B B. Thombare expressed gratitude towards the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister for taking this pivotal step.
WISMA notes that this move was long awaited by the sugar industry and will enable distilleries to diversify their feedstocks depending on market conditions, ensuring better profitability and utilisation of capacity even during periods of low sugarcane availability.
The Association emphasised that this policy will not only help Maharashtra’s ethanol industry reach national targets for ethanol blending (20% by Ethnaol Suply Year2025-26) but also stabilize the sector in the face of changing agricultural and market dynamics. WISMA stated that flexibility in raw material use will empower sugar mills to maximize output, mitigate losses, and support the government’s ambitious Ethanol Blending Programme
Industry leaders believe the Maharashtra government’s order will be a game-changer that brings the state into alignment with national strategies and lays the foundation for a more sustainable and profit-oriented future for the sugar sector.
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Source : Chinimandi
