The Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) Stands by Ethanol-Blending Programme

The Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has come out in strong support of the country’s ethanol-blending programme, dismissing recent claims as “misleading” and “detrimental” to a nationally important programme.

Benefits of Ethanol-Blending Programme

Improved financial health of sugar mills
Timely payments to farmers
Management of excess sugar inventories
Stabilisation of sugarcane prices and protection of farmer incomes

Positive Impact on Farmers

The ethanol blending programme has had a profoundly positive impact on the livelihoods of millions of sugarcane farmers in India. The programme has become a “game changer” for over five crore farmers, with more than Rs 1.18 lakh crore transferred to them. This has helped to improve their financial health and has ensured timely payments to farmers.

Reducing Dependence on Foreign Crude Oil

The E20 target is expected to save Rs 35,000-40,000 crore in foreign exchange annually by reducing crude oil imports, which account for over 85 per cent of India’s consumption.

Scientific Validation and Global Experience

ISMA has highlighted that ethanol-blended fuel is not just a technological choice but a “national imperative”. The association has pointed to the decades-long experience of Brazil, which currently blends over 27 per cent ethanol in petrol and is targeting 30 per cent by 2030.

Ethanol-Blended Fuel: A Technological Choice or a National Imperative?

“Ethanol-blended fuel is not just a technological choice–it is a national imperative. Backed by rigorous scientific validation and decades of global experience, it delivers clear benefits for our farmers, our economy, and our environment,” said ISMA Director General Deepak Ballisaid.

Addressing Misleading Claims

The ISMA statement noted that recent negative campaign on social media against ethanol-blended fuels is “not only misleading but also detrimental to a nationally important programme”. The association clarified that the blending of ethanol with petrol improved the financial health of sugar mills, ensured timely payments to farmers, and helped manage excess sugar inventories, ultimately stabilising sugarcane prices and protecting farmer incomes.

Addressing Misinformation on Fuel Efficiency

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had also dismissed recent claims circulating on social media that E20 petrol causes a drastic drop in fuel efficiency, besides impacting the engines. The ministry clarified that while ethanol has a lower energy density than petrol, the impact on fuel efficiency is only marginal.

Achievements and Timeline

Year	Blending Percentage	Target Achievement
2014	1.53%	N/A
2019	10%	Five months ahead of schedule
2025	20%	Advanced to 2025

Conclusion

The ISMA’s strong support for the ethanol-blending programme highlights the importance of this initiative for India’s farmers, economy, and environment. The association’s clarification on the benefits and scientific validation of ethanol-blended fuel has helped to dispel recent negative claims and misinformation. As the country continues to work towards its goals of reducing dependence on foreign crude oil and promoting sustainable energy sources, the ISMA’s support for the ethanol-blending programme is crucial.