The Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA) urged the government to reinforce ethanol blending policy to enhance farmers’ incomes and strengthen value chains, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of clean energy and farmer empowerment.
Appreciation for Government’s Progress on Ethanol Blending
GEMA thanked the Government for prioritizing energy self-reliance and farmer welfare through the Ethanol Blending Program, which raised blending from 5% to 20% in five years and positioned India as a global leader in agriculture-driven clean energy.
Ethanol as a Driver of Rural Growth
“Ethanol is not just a fuel—it is a farmer prosperity engine,” stated Dr. C.K. Jain, President of GEMA. He highlighted that rising ethanol demand has provided stable markets and improved income security for coarse-grain farmers cultivating maize, sorghum, bajra, guar and other crops. These crops, once undervalued, are now gaining renewed importance in rural economies. The 20% blending initiative currently utilizes nearly 200 lakh tonnes of grain, creating dependable income streams for small and marginal farming households.
Key Policy Recommendations from GEMA
- Increase ethanol blending levels from 20% to 30%
- Promote Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) to facilitate wider ethanol usage
- Fast-track research and commercialization of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from ethanol
- Begin ethanol blending in diesel to diversify clean fuel adoption
- Protect and support grain-based ethanol units that serve as anchors of rural economic activity
- Continue ensuring farmers remain primary beneficiaries of all ethanol-related policies
Strengthening Rural Livelihoods and National Energy Security
“By reinforcing ethanol policy, India can reduce crude oil imports and improve livelihoods for millions of grain farmers,” Dr. Jain added. The press release noted that continued support will keep the grain ethanol industry central to rural development and economic self-reliance.
