ISMA seeks government support for sugar industry for ethanol production

As per the estimates of the Niti Aayog, to achieve 20 per cent of ethanol (E20) blending in petrol in the country by 2025, 1,000 crore litres of ethanol will be required, he said while speaking at an event organised by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

The sugar industry will need government support to produce ethanol required to meet the target of achieving 20 per cent mixing with petrol by 2025, Indian Sugar Mills Association President Aditya Jhunjhunwala said.

As per the estimates of the Niti Aayog, to achieve 20 per cent of ethanol (E20) blending in petrol in the country by 2025, 1,000 crore litres of ethanol will be required, he said while speaking at an event organised by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

This would require higher ethanol production capacities, more distilleries and government policies to boost sugarcane and sugar production in the country, he added.

The industry has already utilised existing production capacities, he said, adding “the next option is to put up new greenfield projects”.

Certain issues about smooth blending and production of ethanol need to be addressed to achieve the short-term and long-term targets, he noted.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Petroleum and Natural gas and Urban Development Hardeep Puri, however, said the focus has to be on diversification of sources of ethanol, such as agricultural waste and paddy straws as sugarcane is a water-intensive crop.