Current Affairs-Topics

India becomes third-largest producer and consumer of ethanol

India has become the world's third-largest ethanol producer and consumer, thanks to significant government policy changes. The Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme has increased production capacity, leading to increased revenue for sugar mills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

India's Rise in Ethanol Production and Consumption

  • India has become the world's third-largest producer and consumer of ethanol
  • Achievement attributed to significant policy changes by the government
  • Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme has boosted production capacity
  • Last decade saw increased revenue for sugar mills from ethanol sales
  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions due to ethanol-blended petrol use
  • New distilleries in rural areas leading to direct and indirect job creation

Sugar Industry Growth and Farmer Benefits

  • Sugarcane cultivation area increased by 18% in the last decade
  • Sugarcane production rose by 40% in the same period
  • Introduction of Minimum Selling Price (MSP) for sugar in 2018
  • MSP protects interests of farmers and the sugar industry
  • Cane dues pendency at an all-time low, with 99% of Rs. 1.14 lakh crores paid to farmers
  • Farmers evolving from "Anna Dattas" (food providers) to "Urja Dattas" (energy providers)

Government Initiatives and Future Prospects

  • Commitment to a robust, sustainable sugar industry
  • Focus on innovation, public-private partnerships, and farmer-centric policies
  • Launch of National Green Hydrogen Mission with Rs. 19,744 crore outlay
  • India aims to become a global hub for green hydrogen production and export
  • Encouragement of sustainable packaging to promote Indian food globally
  • Collaboration opportunities with Brazil on biofuels production and use
  • Promotion of technology exchange and joint R&D in bioenergy sector
  • Opportunities in 2G&3G Ethanol, Green Hydrogen, and Bio-plastics
  • Global Biofuels Alliance offering new prospects for growth

Environmental and Economic Impact

  • Synergy between agriculture and green energy supporting sustainable future
  • Alignment with India's global climate goals of net-zero emissions by 2070
  • Early achievement of Paris Climate Agreement targets
  • Stable sugar prices benefiting consumers
  • Positive outlook for 2024-2025 sugar season due to good monsoon
  • India positioned as a global food basket
  • Potential for increased international cooperation in biofuels sector

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