Current Challenges in India's Ethanol Blending Target

Current Challenges in India's Ethanol Blending Target

India has set an ambitious target of achieving 20% ethanol blending in fuel by 2025. However, the nation is currently grappling with significant challenges in securing sufficient feedstock, particularly food grains, necessary for ethanol production.

Halting Rice Supplies

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) previously supplied 13 lakh tonnes of rice to ethanol manufacturers from December 2022 to June 2023. However, due to rising concerns regarding food security, FCI has halted further supplies since July. This decision aims to conserve stocks amid fears of potential shortages.

Exploring Alternative Feedstocks

In response to the feedstock crisis, the Centre is now considering using maize as an alternative for ethanol distillation. Nonetheless, this shift necessitates a comprehensive reevaluation of the entire grain-based ethanol blending program to ensure sustainability.

Initial Rationale for Grain-Based Ethanol

The concept of blending ethanol from grains was initially proposed in a 2021 report by an expert committee from NITI Aayog. This report outlined strategies to meet the 20% blending target, suggesting the use of alternatives such as damaged food grains, crop residues, and surplus rice from FCI.

Challenges with Surplus Rice

One major issue with relying on surplus rice for ethanol production stems from the overly optimistic assumptions regarding FCI's annual stock levels. The program had not adequately accounted for potential contingencies, such as adverse weather conditions impacting rice availability. Additionally, the program's structure includes subsidies for private distilleries, leading to financial losses for FCI.

Recommendations for Alternative Approaches

Rather than depending on food crops, it would be more prudent for the Centre to enhance the second-generation (2G) ethanol route, which leverages food waste and agricultural residues for ethanol production. If feedstock from these sources proves to be insufficient, adjusting blending targets to prioritize food security may be a more effective strategy.

Overarching Concerns

With increasing global worries about erratic weather patterns affecting food supplies, it is imperative for India to prioritize food security over aggressive renewable fuel targets. Balancing the goals of green energy and food availability should be a central focus of policy-making.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What challenges is India facing in achieving its ethanol blending target?
Answer: India aims for 20% ethanol blending by 2025 but struggles with securing sufficient feedstock, especially food grains, affecting production capacity.

Q2. Why did the FCI halt rice supplies to ethanol producers?
Answer: The FCI stopped rice supplies to conserve stocks due to food security concerns, having previously supplied 13 lakh tonnes between December 2022 and June 2023.

Q3. What alternatives are being considered for ethanol production feedstock?
Answer: The Centre is exploring maize as an alternative feedstock, but a broader reevaluation of the grain-based ethanol program is necessary for sustainability.

Q4. What was the original intent behind grain-based ethanol blending in India?
Answer: The NITI Aayog report in 2021 suggested using alternatives like damaged food grains and crop residues to achieve the 20% blending target in petrol.

Q5. How should India approach its ethanol blending targets considering food security?
Answer: India should focus on enhancing the 2G ethanol route using food waste and crop residues, and consider adjusting blending targets if feedstock sources are limited.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What percentage of ethanol blending in fuel is India targeting by 2025?
A) 10%
B) 20%
C) 25%
D) 30%
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Why was the supply of rice to ethanol-makers halted by the FCI?
A) High demand for rice
B) To conserve stocks for food security
C) Excessive production
D) Policy changes
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Which alternative feedstock is being considered by the Centre for ethanol production?
A) Wheat
B) Barley
C) Maize
D) Sorghum
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: What did the NITI Aayog report propose regarding ethanol blending?
A) Use of only sugarcane
B) Grain-based ethanol blending
C) Elimination of ethanol blending
D) Reduction of petrol usage
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What is a significant concern regarding the reliance on surplus rice for ethanol production?
A) It is too expensive
B) Weather conditions affecting availability
C) Excessive waste production
D) Lack of interest from distilleries
Correct Answer: B