[Answered] Assess the progress and challenges in India’s ethanol blending programme. How does the ‘food versus fuel’ debate impact this initiative, and what steps can be taken to balance energy needs with food security?

India’s ethanol blending program has made significant strides towards its target of blending 20% ethanol with petrol by 2025-26. However, the “food versus fuel” debate continues to challenge the program, particularly as it increasingly relies on food grains like maize and sugarcane.

Progress in India’s Ethanol Blending Program

• Ethanol Blending Targets: India has rapidly increased its ethanol blending percentage, moving from 8% in 2021 to around 13-15% by 2023. The target is to achieve 20% blending by 2025-26, which requires the production of approximately 1,000 crore liters of ethanol annually.
• Capacity Expansion: Significant investments have been made in expanding ethanol production capacity. By December 2023, India’s ethanol production capacity had reached 1,380 crore liters, with a major component coming from sugarcane-based distilleries.
• Economic and Environmental Benefits: Ethanol blending is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save an estimated $4 billion annually in foreign exchange by reducing fossil fuel imports. It also bolsters the rural economy by providing a stable market for agricultural produce.

Challenges and the Food Versus Fuel Debate

• Reliance on Food Crops: The program’s heavy reliance on sugarcane and maize raises concerns about food security. Sugarcane, which is water-intensive, competes with essential food crops for irrigation resources, potentially impacting agricultural sustainability. The diversion of maize and other grains to ethanol production has led to increased imports of maize, driving up prices and affecting key sectors like poultry and livestock feed.
• State-Level Variations: The impact of the ethanol economy varies across states. For instance, Uttar Pradesh has aligned its policies with the central government’s ethanol mission, while Tamil Nadu faces challenges due to its focus on liquor production and the political sensitivity surrounding the use of food grains for fuel. Maharashtra, where ethanol production is less attractive compared to other uses of sugarcane derivatives, highlights the economic trade-offs between ethanol production and other industrial uses.

Balancing Energy Needs with Food Security

• Diversification to Second-Generation (2G) and Third-Generation (3G) Biofuels: To reduce the pressure on food crops, the government should accelerate the shift towards 2G and 3G biofuels, which use non-food biomass and waste materials. This would mitigate the impact on food security while maintaining progress towards blending targets.
• Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: Improving the yield of crops like maize through better agricultural practices and technology can help meet the demand for both food and fuel. This includes expanding maize cultivation in areas where it does not compete with essential food crops.
• Policy Adjustments: The government should ensure that ethanol pricing reflects the true cost of production, including the environmental impact, and incentivize the use of non-food feedstocks.
• Water Management: Given the water-intensive nature of sugarcane, promoting water-efficient crops and sustainable irrigation practices is crucial. This could include rotating sugarcane with less water-intensive crops like maize, as suggested by experts in Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion

India’s ethanol blending program is on track to meet its ambitious targets, but it must carefully navigate the food versus fuel dilemma. A balanced approach that includes diversifying ethanol sources, improving agricultural productivity, and implementing sustainable practices will be key to ensuring that the country’s energy needs do not come at the expense of food security.