Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Maharashtra to Use Food Grains for Ethanol Production
Maharashtra is now letting companies use food grains, like corn and rice, to make ethanol.
This ethanol is then mixed with gasoline for cars.
This helps distilleries keep working even when sugarcane isn't available.
A group called WISMA is happy about this because it can help farmers and keep prices steady.
India needs a lot of ethanol by 2025 to mix with gasoline, and this decision will help reach that goal.
This could also reduce pressure on sugarcane production.
Maharashtra allows ethanol production from food grains.
Ethanol will be used for blending with petrol.
Decision allows distilleries to operate during sugarcane off-season.
WISMA chairman welcomes the move, citing benefits for farmers and price stabilization.
India aims to produce 950 crore litres of ethanol by 2025 for petrol blending.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government and distilleries in the state are involved, along with farmers and the West Indian Sugar Mills Association (WISMA).
- What
- Maharashtra government allows ethanol production from food grains like maize and rice.
- When
- The decision was made recently, as of July 23rd.
- Where
- Maharashtra.
- Why
- To boost the rural economy, stabilize maize prices, provide year-round demand, and help India achieve its ethanol blending target.
Benefits
Overall Goals
Economic Impact
Benefits
The policy will help stabilize maize prices.
Overall Goals
This reduces pressure on sugarcane
Benefits to stakeholders
Benefits
The policy will benefit farmers and provide a year-round demand.
Overall Goals
Helps India reach 20% blending with petrol target.
- Allowed Feedstock
- Maize (corn) and rice
- Intended Use
- Blending with petrol
- Benefit
- Distilleries can operate during sugarcane off-season
- WISMA Chairman's View
- Welcomes the move
- Ethanol Production Goal
- 950 crore litres by 2025
- Current Production
- 650 crore litres