Maharashtra sugar mills get lifeline with Government nod for dual-feed ethanol production
The Maharashtra Government’s new policy allowing ethanol production from multiple foodgrains like maize and broken rice enables year-round distillery operations. It supports blending targets, offsets sugar sector losses, and boosts sustainability. Industry leaders welcome the move, citing improved sugarcane yields and extended crushing and distillation seasons as key benefits.
The Maharashtra Government, on 23rd July 2025, allowed the State’s sugar-based ethanol units to produce ethanol from multiple foodgrains, mainly maize and broken rice. The sugar industry has made several requests to give permission for the same in line with the National BioFuel Policy.
The new policy allows distilleries to switch between different feedstocks without seeking multiple approvals each time, ensuring ethanol production almost round the year, even after the cessation of the sugar season.
This important policy decision by the Government will ensure higher ethanol production from the State, aiding in achieving higher blending targets.
The sentiment is echoed by Manohar Joshi, MD of Jawahar SSKM, said that the State Government’s decision to allow dual feed for ethanol is impactful, considering that the State’s sugar mills are making losses in the last two seasons, with crushing days coming down to 90 days against the 150 days.
Joshi expressed optimism that the new policy, coupled with favourable rainfall, will lead to improved sugarcane yields. “I hope this decision will ensure that in the coming sugar season, sugar mills will continue for 140 days & distillery will operate for 270 days. The good rainfall has impacted the sugarcane crop positively. Higher sugar production and dual feed for ethanol production will extend the season for distilleries in the State”, he added.
B B Thombare, President, WISMA, said it was a long-awaited decision which will help the ethanol industry to diversify their feedstocks.
“This policy will help Maharashtra’s sugar industry reach the national blending target of 20% by Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26. It will also empower sugar mills to maximise output, mitigate losses and help in long-term sustainability”, he added.
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Source : Chinimandi
