Sambhav-2025

Approach In introduction, define ethanol production and its significance in India's renewable energy strategy. Discuss the Impact on Food Security, Water Conservation, and Environmental & Agricultural Impact. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Ethanol, a biofuel primarily derived from sugarcane and maize, is a key part of India’s renewable energy strategy under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. It plays a crucial role in reducing fossil fuel dependence and enhancing energy security. However, its large-scale production raises concerns over food security, water conservation, and agricultural sustainability, necessitating a balanced approach.

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Impact of Ethanol Production on Food Security:

• Competition with Food Crops: The large-scale use of sugarcane and maize for ethanol diverts essential food crops, potentially impacting food supply. Over-reliance on these crops may lead to shortages in domestic markets and affect exports.
• Price Volatility: Increased demand for ethanol feedstock can cause fluctuations in sugar and maize prices, affecting both consumers and farmers. High ethanol demand can raise food inflation, making staple foods less affordable.
• Diversification of Feedstock: The National Policy on Biofuels (2018) encourages a shift toward non-food biofuels such as agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, and bamboo, reducing reliance on food crops.
• Drop Diversion & Agricultural Impact: Shifting sugarcane from sugar production to ethanol ensures stable farmer incomes, but excessive diversion may affect sugar availability, impacting industries that rely on it.

Impact of Ethanol Production on Water Conservation:

• Water-Intensive Crops: As per the Indian Sugarcane Research Institute, the annual water requirement of Sugarcane in sub tropical states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Bihar is 1400-1500 mm.
• Agricultural Stress & Drought Risks: The over-extraction of groundwater for sugarcane ethanol production worsens water shortages in already water-stressed regions, affecting overall agricultural sustainability.
• Water-Saving Measures:
  • Drip irrigation can reduce water usage in sugarcane farming, ensuring efficient resource utilization.
  • Promoting ethanol from drought-resistant crops like sweet sorghum and cassava can reduce excessive dependence on sugarcane.
  • Wastewater recycling in ethanol plants can help minimize the industry's freshwater demand.

Ethanol Production Targets & Challenges:

• Government Target: India aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending by 2025, requiring 1,016 crore liters of ethanol annually.
• Total Ethanol Demand: Including industrial and beverage uses, the total ethanol demand is projected to be 1,350 crore liters.
• Infrastructure Needs: To meet this demand, India must establish an ethanol production capacity of 1,700 crore liters, assuming 80% operational efficiency in ethanol plants.
• Sectoral Expansion Considerations: The ethanol demand projection is based on rising petrol vehicle sales, especially in two-wheeler and passenger vehicle segments.
• Land Use & Soil Degradation: Expanding ethanol crop cultivation affects soil health, biodiversity, and long-term agricultural productivity.

Balancing Energy Needs & Agricultural Sustainability:

• Promoting Second-Generation (2G) Ethanol: Using crop residues, agro-waste, and lignocellulosic biomass prevents competition with food crops and enhances sustainability.
• Alternative Feedstocks: Expanding ethanol production from algae, industrial byproducts, and municipal solid waste can minimize agricultural pressure.
• Integrated Farming Practices: Encouraging crop rotation, intercropping, and mixed farming can mitigate soil degradation and conserve water.
• Policy Reforms:
  • The Modified Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana (2024) supports advanced biofuels and second-generation ethanol to reduce sugarcane dependence.
  • Lowering GST to 5% on ethanol and introducing interest subvention schemes has encouraged private sector participation in ethanol production.

Conclusion

Ethanol is a crucial component of India's clean energy transition, but its large-scale adoption must not compromise food security, water conservation, or agricultural sustainability. A balanced, diversified ethanol strategy, focusing on alternative feedstocks, efficient water use, and second-generation biofuels, will ensure energy security without harming food production or the environment.