Rice sales for ethanol production gain momentum: What will be the impact on maize?
19-Aug-2025 01:08 PM
Rice sales for ethanol production gain momentum: What will be the impact on maize?
★ Earlier, grains were used to provide energy to living beings, but now even non-living systems are drawing energy from them through ethanol.
★ The government has fixed a reserve price of Rs 2,250 per quintal for the sale of rice to distilleries for ethanol production in the current marketing season. A maximum of 24 lakh tons of rice will be supplied under this scheme, with priority to be given to old stocks.
★ According to sources, nearly 23 lakh tons of rice have already been sold. The pace of lifting is steadily rising, which is being seen as a positive move for boosting ethanol production.
★ Rice lifting trend over the past seasons:
2021-22: 1.69 lakh tons
2022-23: 15.15 lakh tons
2023-24: 8.96 lakh tons
2024-25 (up to June 25): 13.48 lakh tons
June 2025: 3,57,223 tons
May 2025: 4,16,883 tons
★ At this pace, lifting is expected to reach close to the set target in the current season, ensuring adequate support for ethanol production.
★ With rice now joining maize as a feedstock for ethanol, demand for maize could see some impact in the coming months.