Ethanol push can deepen water woes

Source: The post “Ethanol push can deepen water woes” has been created based on “Ethanol push can deepen water woes” published in “The Hindu” on 30 July 2026. Ethanol push can deepen water woes.

UPSC Syllabus: GS-2- Governance

Context: India has implemented the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) under; the National Policy on Bio-fuels to reduce crude oil imports, lower carbon emissions, and improve farmers’ income. Although the programme provides significant economic and environmental benefits, its increasing dependence on water-intensive crops raises serious concerns about water security and sustainable agriculture.

Benefits of the Ethanol Blending Programme

1. Reduces Crude Oil Imports

1. The programme helps reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil, as the country imports more than 85% of its crude oil requirements.
2. The achievement of the E20 blending target can save nearly ₹40,000 crore annually in foreign exchange by reducing crude oil imports.

2. Improves Environmental Quality

1. Ethanol improves the combustion of petrol because it contains oxygen, which reduces the emission of harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
2. The programme contributes to reducing carbon emissions and supports India’s clean energy transition.

3. Enhances Farmers’ Income: The programme creates a guaranteed market for crops such as sugarcane, rice, and maize, thereby increasing farmers’ income and strengthening the agricultural economy.

Challenges of the Ethanol Blending Programme

1. Dependence on Food Crops

1. India mainly produces ethanol from primary food crops such as sugarcane, paddy, and maize instead of using crop residues or other advanced biofuel feedstocks.
2. The diversion of food crops for ethanol production may reduce food availability and increase food prices in the long run.

2. High Water Consumption

1. Agriculture already consumes more than 85% of India’s available freshwater, and ethanol feedstock crops require large quantities of water.
2. The production of one litre of ethanol from sugarcane requires approximately 3,630 litres of water.
3. The production of one litre of ethanol from paddy requires up to 10,790 litres of water, making it one of the most water-intensive feedstocks.
4. The production of one litre of ethanol from maize requires nearly 4,670 litres of water.

3. Groundwater Depletion

1. The increased cultivation of water-intensive crops for ethanol can accelerate groundwater depletion in states such as Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
2. Subsidised electricity and assured procurement by distilleries may encourage excessive groundwater extraction for cultivating ethanol feedstock crops.

4. Long-Term Water Security Concerns

1. According to long-term projections, India’s total water demand may exceed the available water supply before 2050.
2. The expansion of water-intensive crops for ethanol may worsen India’s future water crisis.

Measures to Make the Programme Ecologically Sustainable

1. Diversify Ethanol Feedstock

1. The government should promote low-water-consuming coarse cereals such as bajra, jowar, and ragi as alternative feedstocks for ethanol production.
2. These crops should be cultivated on rainfed lands to minimise pressure on groundwater resources.

2. Promote Water-Efficient Irrigation

1. The government should make micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation compulsory for sugarcane and maize cultivation.
2. Micro-irrigation technologies can reduce water use by 40–50% while increasing crop productivity.

3. Link Incentives with Water Conservation: Government subsidies, procurement prices, and distillery licences should be linked with the adoption of water-saving irrigation technologies.
4. Promote Water Recycling in Distilleries: Distilleries should be required to install Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems to ensure that industrial water is fully recycled and reused.
5. Adopt an Integrated Policy Approach: The Ethanol Blending Programme should be implemented through coordinated planning among the Ministries of Energy, Agriculture, and Water Resources to balance energy security with water sustainability.

Conclusion: The Ethanol Blending Programme is an important initiative for improving India’s energy security, reducing import dependence, and lowering carbon emissions. However, the programme must follow an ecologically sustainable path by conserving water resources, promoting low-water crops, and encouraging efficient irrigation practices. A balanced approach will ensure that the goal of energy security is achieved without compromising India’s long-term water security and agricultural sustainability.

Question: India’s Ethanol Blending Programme offers economic and environmental benefits but also raises concerns regarding water security and sustainable agriculture. Discuss. Suggest measures to make the programme ecologically sustainable.

Source: The Hindu