In the last 9 years, the sugar sector has been self-sufficient with more than 99.9%
The growth of the ethanol sector has been tremendous which has set a sort of example for the world, said Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles and Commerce and Industry while addressing a one-day seminar on ‘National Seminar on Maize to Ethanol’ organised by Department of Food and Public Distribution.
Goyal said that in the last 9 years, the sugar sector has been self-sufficient with more than 99.9 per cent payment to farmers for the previous season. Now, ethanol will support maize farmers in increasing their income and bringing growth with stability along the lines of sugarcane farmers. Investments of thousands of crores have come creating thousands of jobs in the rural sector which has generated a multiplier effect on the Indian economy. He highlighted that environment-friendly fuel like ethanol has been on the top priority list which has resulted in more than doubling of ethanol blending in just 2 years and the target of 20 per cent ethanol blending has also been preponed from 2030 to 2025.
Timely planning, industry-friendly policies and a transparent approach of the Government of India with the collaboration of industry have made these achievements a reality, he said. He stressed the need for synchronous efforts of the Central Government, States, Research Institutes, OMCs and Distilleries to achieve the target of 20 per cent ethanol blending while keeping the interests of the farmers always on top priority.
The Union Minister highlighted that India has transformed to accomplishing bigger goals in a shorter time to be the world leader. The Target of E 20 was preponed from 2030 to 2025 so that India can have clean fuel with propagating farmers’ interests.
