Cooperative Sugar Mills Move to Grain-Based Ethanol
Why in the news
Since cane crushing is seasonal, several cooperative mills want grain or multi-feedstock distilleries for better efficiency and output.
Key facts
- Grain-based ethanol: a biofuel from fermenting starch in maize, rice or wheat, blended with petrol.
- Molasses limit: a sugar by-product available only 4-5 months a year, so about 200 operating days.
- Grain edge: maize and damaged food grains are available all year, allowing continuous production and better profits.
Significance
- Backs the E20 blending target.
- Year-round running gives steadier rural jobs and income.
- Reduces dependence on sugarcane.
Exam angle
- E20 means 20% ethanol blended with petrol; molasses is a sugarcane by-product.