The food vs fuel debate in the context of sugar revolves around the choice between utilizing sugarcane for sugar production (food) or for generating ethanol (fuel). Ethanol blending in petrol plays a significant role in reducing crude oil imports and lowering emissions. However, this shift may divert sugarcane from food production, affecting sugar availability and market prices.
Ethanol blending refers to the process of mixing ethanol, an alcohol derived from sugarcane, with petrol. India is actively promoting this practice to decrease reliance on fossil fuels, lower import expenses, support farmers, and meet climate targets. The government has accelerated the blending target from 2025 to 2023, aiming for a 30% blending rate by 2030.
Ethanol production involves utilizing molasses, a by-product of sugar manufacturing, or directly using sugarcane juice. These raw materials undergo fermentation and distillation processes to yield ethanol suitable for fuel applications.
India's sugarcane production reached a high of 490 crore tonnes in FY23 but faced a downturn in FY24, dropping to 435 crore tonnes due to adverse weather conditions and pest infestations. These fluctuations in crop yield have direct implications for both sugar and ethanol supply.
India's ethanol blending ratio has increased significantly, rising from 1.5% in 2014 to approximately 12% in 2023. The government targets 20% blending by 2025 and aims for 30% by 2030.
In FY14, the production of sugarcane-based ethanol was limited to 40 crore litres. This figure surged to 672 crore litres by FY24, indicating a substantial shift towards fuel production.
The diversion of sugarcane for ethanol production has indeed affected sugar prices. With less sugarcane available for food use, retail prices have increased from ₹40 per kg in May 2022 to ₹45 per kg by May 2023.
To ensure sugar availability, the government is adjusting ethanol procurement prices and promoting the use of surplus or damaged crops for fuel. Additionally, fair prices for sugarcane are being maintained to support farmers.
Ethanol is a cleaner alternative to petrol, helping to reduce carbon emissions. Moreover, it provides rural employment opportunities through distilleries and decreases India's dependence on crude oil imports.
The excessive diversion of sugarcane for ethanol could diminish the availability of food-grade sugar, leading to higher prices and potential impacts on food processing industries. Additionally, the water-intensive nature of sugarcane cultivation raises concerns regarding water usage.
Yes, India is exploring the use of alternative crops such as maize and surplus rice for ethanol production. This diversification helps alleviate the pressure solely on sugarcane as a feedstock.
Countries like Brazil and the US have established large-scale ethanol blending programs. Brazil utilizes both sugarcane and corn, while the US primarily employs corn for ethanol production. India is still in the process of expanding its infrastructure and feedstock options.
Q1. What are the main concerns of the food vs fuel debate?
Answer: The primary concerns include the potential impact on food availability, rising prices, and the environmental implications of sugarcane cultivation versus fuel production.
Q2. How does ethanol blending benefit the environment?
Answer: Ethanol blending reduces carbon emissions, supports rural employment, and decreases reliance on fossil fuels, contributing positively to environmental sustainability.
Q3. What measures is the Indian government taking to ensure sugar supply?
Answer: The government is adjusting ethanol procurement prices and encouraging the use of damaged crops for fuel while maintaining fair prices for sugarcane to support farmers.
Q4. Can alternative crops effectively replace sugarcane for ethanol?
Answer: Yes, grains like maize and surplus rice are being utilized for ethanol production, which helps to diversify feedstock sources and reduce pressure on sugarcane.
Q5. What has been the trend in sugar prices in India recently?
Answer: Retail sugar prices have increased from ₹40/kg in May 2022 to ₹45/kg by May 2023 due to reduced availability linked to the diversion of sugarcane for ethanol.
Question 1: What is the main concern of the food vs fuel debate regarding sugar?
A) Increased sugar production
B) Reduced availability of food-grade sugar
C) Lower prices for consumers
D) Increased employment in agriculture
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What is the government’s ethanol blending target for 2030?
A) 20%
B) 25%
C) 30%
D) 35%
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which by-product is primarily used for ethanol production?
A) Sugarcane juice
B) Molasses
C) Wheat
D) Rice
Correct Answer: B </
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