Maize becomes India’s leading feedstock for ethanol

India’s ambitious ethanol blending programme has hit a significant milestone, with cumulative supplies crossing 515 crore litres in the first half of the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26. Data released by the All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA) reveals a structural shift in the country’s biofuel landscape, with maize emerging as the single-largest feedstock, surpassing traditional sugarcane-based sources.

According to the latest industry estimates, the sector has already fulfilled nearly 49 per cent of the total contracted volume of 1,059 crore litres. Grain-based distilleries have been the primary engine of this growth, contributing approximately 333 crore litres to the national pool.

Out of this, maize-based ethanol alone accounted for 182 crore litres, signalling a transition towards a more diversified and water-efficient feedstock ecosystem.

The rise of maize is being viewed by experts as a turning point for India’s energy security. Unlike sugarcane, maize offers year-round availability and requires substantially less water, making it a scalable solution for the government’s higher-blending ambitions beyond the E20 target.

“The emergence of maize as the leading feedstock reflects the sector’s increasing maturity and long-term sustainability,” stated Mr Vijendra Singh, President of AIDA.

He noted that the programme has entered a “decisive growth phase” but stressed the need for long-term policy certainty to maintain the momentum.

While grains led the surge, sugarcane-based distilleries maintained a robust performance, supplying 182 crore litres — achieving 62 per cent of their contracted volumes.

Sugarcane juice remained the dominant contributor within this category at 130 crore litres, followed by B-heavy and C-heavy molasses.

Industry stakeholders pointed out that the balance between grain and molasses-based production is crucial for reducing supply-side vulnerabilities and ensuring a steady flow to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

Monthly supplies have remained consistent, peaking at 102 crore litres in December 2025. Despite the record-breaking numbers, the industry is now seeking a stronger policy framework for the next phase of growth.

AIDA has urged the government to accelerate incentives for flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs), sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and the use of ethanol in diesel substitution.

Bharati Balaji, Deputy Director General of AIDA, emphasised that the sector is now prepared to support next-generation biofuel applications. “With the right policy support, India has the potential to emerge as a global leader in biofuels while simultaneously strengthening farmer incomes and rural investments,” she said.