Archive · 25 Jul 2025
India Faces Concerns Over Increased Maize Ethanol Production
Imagine India is making more fuel called ethanol to help cars run, and to do this, they're using a lot more corn, which is also used for food and animal feed.
This is causing problems because now there might not be enough corn for everyone.
India is even buying corn from other countries because of this change.
This is making food for animals and chickens more expensive, which could mean more expensive food for us.
Some experts are worried that India might not be able to reduce the use of imported products, which it aims to reduce by producing its own ethanol.
The government is encouraged to consider these factors while keeping in mind food supply to avoid supply chain problems.
Maize diversion for ethanol production in India has sharply increased, raising concerns.
Demand for maize for ethanol is projected to reach 128 lakh tonne in 2024-25, over 34% of total maize production.
India is importing maize, with imports rising significantly compared to the previous year.
The shift to maize for ethanol is impacting food security, feed availability, and crop sustainability.
Experts suggest maize should be used for ethanol only in surplus years and after ensuring food and feed needs are met.
- Who
- Experts and agricultural economists
- What
- Sharp increase in maize diversion for ethanol production.
- When
- 2024-25
- Where
- India
- Why
- To produce ethanol for fuel blending, raising concerns about food security and feed availability.
Concerns Regarding Maize Diversion
Ethanol Production Program
Food Security vs. Reducing Import Dependency
Concerns Regarding Maize Diversion
Experts are worried that increasing maize use for ethanol could harm food security.
Ethanol Production Program
The program is designed to reduce import dependency.
- Maize demand for ethanol (2024-25)
- 128 lakh tonne
- Total maize production (2024-25)
- 390 lakh tonne
- Maize import (2024-25)
- 8 lakh tonne
- Maize import (previous year)
- 1.27 lakh tonne
- Ethanol from maize price
- ₹71.86 per litre
- Ethanol from sugarcane juice price
- ₹65.61 per litre