Shah Calls for Ethanol Diversification in Sugar Mills, Aims for 2025 Target

13 Aug 2024 CW Team

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.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

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.

Real Estate

26 Jun 2026

AGM Vijaylaxmi launches Sixty3 W.E. Bizpark

AGM Vijaylaxmi Group has launched Sixty3 W.E. Bizpark, a mixed-use commercial development in Goregaon East, Mumbai. The project includes contemporary office spaces and a high-street retail component designed to support businesses, retailers and professionals.Located along the Western Express Highway, Sixty3 W.E. Bizpark is planned as a G+25-storey commercial tower. It offers office spaces ranging from 545 sq ft to 3,200 sq ft, with a 3.60 metre floor-to-floor height aimed at improving spatial comfort, natural light and operational efficiency.The project features a high-street retail boulevard ..

Real Estate

26 Jun 2026

Manglam Group to Develop Sheraton Hotel in Jaipur

Manglam Group has signed an agreement with Marriott International to develop a Sheraton hotel on the Jaipur–Ajmer Highway in Jaipur. The project will feature 220 keys and is being developed with an investment of around Rs 3.5 billion across more than 300,000 sq ft.The hotel marks Manglam Group’s third collaboration with Marriott International and forms part of its Rs 10 billion hospitality investment roadmap. The agreement was signed by Amrita Gupta, Director, Manglam Group and CEO, Manglam Spa and Resorts, and Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding Greater China, Marriott Interna..

Infrastructure Urban

26 Jun 2026

India Warehousing Show 2026 opens at YashoBhoomi

India's warehousing, logistics, and supply chain ecosystem came together as the 15th edition of India Warehousing Show (IWS) 2026 opened at YashoBhoomi, India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi on June 25 (Thursday). Organised by RX India, the three-day event will run from 25-27 June 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, technology providers, and supply chain professionals under one roof. It also features a two-day knowledge conference that will run alongside the exhibition. Inaugurated by Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary - Logistics, DPIIT..