Amit Shah, Cooperation Minister, urged sugar mills to explore alternatives to sugarcane for ethanol production, advocating for a multi-dimensional approach to biofuel manufacturing. At an event organised by the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF), Shah indicated that India is set to meet its 20 per cent ethanol blending target by 2025-26, surpassing the initial 2030 deadline. Shah emphasised that the government's ethanol blending program has contributed to lowering the country's crude oil import expenses and addressing environmental issues. He advised that sugar mills should adopt a forward-thinking perspective and seek opportunities for expansion. Shah encouraged them to move away from traditional methods and consider alternative feedstocks like maize and bamboo for ethanol production. According to Shah, approximately 10 billion litres of ethanol are necessary for blending, and the required infrastructure to meet this target is already established. He stressed the importance of modernising sugar mills and incorporating new technologies, noting potential export prospects with the future establishment of the Global Biofuels Alliance. Shah challenged the NFCSF to broaden its operations, recommending the establishment of one cooperative sugar mill for every three districts across four states within a year. He also suggested that the NFCSF employ professionals to assist struggling cooperatives and set a goal to increase the annual turnover of mills by 25 per cent within two years. Shah noted the tendency to work inefficiently and rely on government assistance and stated that the government would be more inclined to provide support if there was greater efficiency. He urged the NFCSF to evolve into a dynamic federation rather than a demand-driven one. This push for diversification aligns with India's objective to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and advance sustainable energy alternatives. Additionally, Shah presented the NFCSF awards for the best-performing cooperative mills across various categories.