Union Cooperation and Home Minister Amit Shah urged the adoption of a multi-dimensional, futuristic approach to ethanol production, utilizing sources such as maize, broken rice, wasted fruits, and bamboo, in addition to sugarcane. Speaking at the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited (NFCSF) event in New Delhi on Saturday, Mr. Shah said that ethanol production is a profitable and viable business and that the country will need 1,000 crore liters of it in a couple of years.

He highlighted that the government is increasing the limit for ethanol blending in petrol as a biofuel. Mr. Shah said that the government has set a target of 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol by 2030, and this target will likely be achieved much earlier. He also noted that the percentage of ethanol blending will be increased to 26 percent.

Mr. Shah added that, due to the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Global Biofuel Alliance has been established, which will also create opportunities for ethanol exports and ultimately benefit farmers. Mr. Shah emphasized that the country must be prepared to expand its ethanol production capacity in anticipation of future export opportunities.