In the current global scenario, when many countries are struggling to meet energy demands due to tensions and war in the Gulf region, India’s position is relatively secure and stable. The credit for this goes to two strong pillars – the visionary ethanol blending policy of the Government of India on one hand, and our hardworking farmers on the other, who have made extraordinary contributions to both food and fuel security. Through this article, I express my gratitude to the Government of India and the Indian farmers and offer some concrete suggestions to further strengthen India’s energy security through ethanol and other biofuels.
The Ethanol Blending Policy has institutionalized the blending of biofuels with petrol. This initiative has reduced India’s dependence on crude oil imports and saved foreign exchange. The Indian government is now spending the saved foreign exchange on public welfare schemes, which are driving us towards progress and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. On the other hand, increasing octane numbers have improved the engine performance of vehicles and reduced carbon emissions, which is a major contribution towards addressing the menace of climate change. India’s ethanol policy has rebalanced the sugar and grain supply chains, ensuring value-added use of crop residues, benefiting farmers. Additionally, investment and innovation have been spurred for 2G ethanol from novel feedstocks (such as agricultural residues). This visionary policy has provided India with an energy security option amid global instability—kudos to the government and farmers for this.
Surplus production is being profitably utilized, creating new sources of farm income. The use of crop residues (such as stubble) for 2G ethanol is contributing to both pollution control and additional income.
Indian farmers are becoming guardians of not only food security but also energy security. Ethanol production is being made possible from sugarcane, corn, broken/damaged grains, and agricultural residues. Surplus production is being profitably utilized, creating new sources of farm income. The use of crop residues (such as stubble) for 2G ethanol is contributing to both pollution control and additional income. The biofuel ecosystem (feedstock supply, distillation, logistics) is creating new employment opportunities in rural areas, providing opportunities for young talent to thrive.
India has made significant progress towards achieving 20% ethanol blending (E20) in petrol. Now is the time to take this achievement to the next level and gradually achieve the target of 27% blending (E27). Global experience (like Brazil) will prove to be very helpful in this matter. Doing so will ensure energy security, and greater domestic ethanol blending will reduce oil import risks and the impact of price shocks. This policy should be implemented across India in phases, with specific timelines for each phase. Furthermore, given the positive impact and experience of ethanol in other fuel-consuming sectors, the Indian government should set a target for SAF blending of 5% by 2030. Furthermore, new targets should be set for blending in diesel and for biomass-based energy in other sectors, such as maritime transport, domestic fuel, etc.
Now is the time to take bold, yet deliberate steps from E20 to E27 and to implement ambitious policies such as SAF in jet fuel, biodiesel/HVO in diesel, and CBG, with timely targets. Adding new crops to the crop rotation for biofuels would also be a major boost to the farmers and rural economy. Sweet Sorghum ranks first in this category. The Indian government should also declare a price for ethanol produced from sweet sorghum to promote this crop, especially in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, where sugarcane shortages often lead to closing sugar mills early crushing seasons. Sweet sorghum can be crushed before and after sugarcane, providing farmers with an additional crop and extending the crushing season for the sugar mills. This journey from “Farm to Fuel” will become not just an energy policy, but an inclusive, sustainable, and self-reliant development story for India.
Dr. Krishan Bir Chaudhary, President, Bhartiya Krishak Samaj