Ethanol vision needs a feedstock reality check, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• India's ethanol production program faces challenges regarding feedstock availability and water usage, despite its goal to reduce crude oil imports.
• Maize is identified as the most efficient and cost-effective feedstock for ethanol production compared to rice and sugarcane.
• The article highlights concerns about potential pressure on crop supplies and rising food prices if food grains are diverted for ethanol.
• High water consumption across all feedstocks, particularly rice and sugarcane, poses a significant environmental challenge.
• A potential solution suggested is allowing Genetically Modified (GM) maize specifically for ethanol production to enhance output.

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Detailed Insights:

• The Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) aims for a 20% ethanol blend in petrol (E20) to enhance energy security and reduce pollution.
• Maize yields 380-400 litres of ethanol per tonne, while rice yields 370-385 litres, and sugarcane yields 220-280 litres.
• The cost of maize is approximately Rs 20,000-21,000 per tonne, making it economically preferable for ethanol producers.
• Increased demand for maize for ethanol could lead to higher prices, impacting the dairy, meat, and poultry sectors.
• The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has previously sold surplus low-quality rice for ethanol, but this is not a sustainable long-term strategy due to water intensity.
• Water consumption for maize is 500-900 litres per kg, for sugarcane 1,500-2,500 litres, and for rice 2,000-3,500 litres, exacerbating water stress.
• Allowing Genetically Modified (GM) maize for ethanol production could boost feedstock supply without affecting food security or domestic seed varieties.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Ethanol Blending Program (EBP): A government initiative to blend ethanol with petrol to reduce crude oil imports and promote biofuels.
• E20: Refers to a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, a target for India's fuel policy.
• Feedstock: Raw material used in an industrial process, in this context, for producing ethanol (e.g., sugarcane, maize, rice).
• Genetically Modified (GM) crops: Plants whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques to introduce new traits.
• Food Corporation of India (FCI): A government agency responsible for food grain procurement, storage, and distribution in India.