Archive · 11 Aug 2025
Maharashtra Sugar Mill Pioneers Dual Feed for Year-Round Ethanol
A sugar mill in Maharashtra is changing how it makes ethanol, a fuel additive.
They'll use both sugarcane juice and maize, so they can produce ethanol all year.
This is a new approach, making them the first in the state to do so.
The government wants mills to produce ethanol, especially using grains like maize.
Using maize is helpful because it needs less water.
However, not all mills can do this because it costs a lot of money to change their equipment.
Some mills are also worried about investing more due to concerns about the government's focus on grain-based ethanol.
Natural Sugar and Allied Industries Limited in Maharashtra is the first sugar mill in the state to adopt a dual feed mechanism for year-round ethanol production.
The dual feed system will use sugarcane juice during the crushing season and switch to maize afterwards.
This move aims to ensure continuous ethanol production, which the central government encourages.
Maize is a suitable alternative due to its lower water needs and the potential for agreements with farmers.
Some mills face challenges like investment costs and existing loan burdens in adopting the dual feed system.
- Who
- Natural Sugar and Allied Industries Limited and other sugar mills.
- What
- A sugar mill in Maharashtra is adopting a dual feed system to produce ethanol year-round.
- When
- The dual feed system will start from November this year.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- To ensure year-round ethanol production and to align with the government's push for ethanol production using different feedstocks like maize.
Challenges to Implementation
Benefits of Implementation
Adaptability
Challenges to Implementation
Mills in water-surplus regions (like Kolhapur and Sangli) face difficulties in adopting dual-feed techniques.
Benefits of Implementation
Natural Sugar and Allied Industries Limited is embracing the change.
Financial Constraints
Challenges to Implementation
Significant investment of approximately Rs 45-50 crore is needed to retrofit existing facilities.
Benefits of Implementation
Natural Sugar and Allied Industries Limited will start dual feed from November.
- Company
- Natural Sugar and Allied Industries Limited
- Location
- Dharashiv, Maharashtra
- Feedstock (Crushing Season)
- Sugarcane juice
- Feedstock (Off-Season)
- Maize
- CMD
- Bhairavnath B Thombare
- Dual Feed System Start
- November
- Estimated Investment for Retrofit
- Rs 45-50 crore