Ethanol Production to Boost Sugarcane Farmers’ Income

Maharashtra: Increased ethanol production is expected to support higher incomes for sugarcane farmers while reducing India’s dependence on crude oil imports and lowering foreign exchange expenditure. Ethanol is produced not only from sugarcane-based products but also from rice, maize, and other damaged food grains, helping grain farmers secure better price opportunities.

The central government is continuously promoting ethanol production to increase its blending with petrol. The country has already achieved the target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol.

During the 2026-27 marketing season (October-September), the use of sugarcane juice/syrup and B-heavy molasses for ethanol production may be reduced due to a possible decline in sugarcane output and the government’s focus on increasing sugar production. Sugarcane crushing is expected to begin from next month. Production of rice and maize is also estimated to decline during the ongoing Kharif season.