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Business
India Eyes Grain Feedstocks to Replace Sugar in Ethanol Production
✍️ BusinessLine
🗓 02 Nov 2026, 06:38 AM
👁 14
BusinessLine reports on India's push to shift ethanol production from sugar to grain-based feedstocks, questioning if grains can fill the gap left by sugar.
India is accelerating its transition to ethanol as part of its energy diversification strategy. The government has traditionally relied on sugarcane molasses as the primary feedstock for biofuel production. Recent reports suggest a growing interest in using grain‑based materials such as wheat and rice to meet the increasing demand for ethanol.
BusinessLine’s latest article examines whether these grain feedstocks can effectively replace sugar in the ethanol supply chain. The piece highlights the potential advantages of grains, including wider availability and lower cost, while noting the challenges of scaling up production.
The analysis underscores the need for policy support and investment in infrastructure to make grain‑based ethanol a viable alternative. It also points out that a successful transition would reduce pressure on sugarcane farmers and diversify the agricultural base.
BusinessLine’s latest article examines whether these grain feedstocks can effectively replace sugar in the ethanol supply chain. The piece highlights the potential advantages of grains, including wider availability and lower cost, while noting the challenges of scaling up production.
The analysis underscores the need for policy support and investment in infrastructure to make grain‑based ethanol a viable alternative. It also points out that a successful transition would reduce pressure on sugarcane farmers and diversify the agricultural base.