Farmers Advocate for Farmer-Centric Ethanol Expansion Policy

From a governance perspective, this development aligns with India’s broader Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program, which aims to reduce the national import bill and lower carbon emissions. The government’s push for biofuels is a critical component of its climate commitments and energy transition strategy. However, the challenge lies in balancing the diversion of food crops for fuel against the imperatives of food security and the management of buffer stocks. As the government scales up its ethanol blending targets, the integration of farmer-led organizations into the policy-making process is essential to ensure that the transition does not inadvertently impact food inflation or the availability of essential commodities. UPSC Relevance: This topic is highly relevant for GS Paper III, particularly under the sections of 'Major crops and cropping patterns' and 'Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies.' Aspirants should analyze how biofuel policies act as a tool for doubling farmers' income while simultaneously addressing energy security and environmental sustainability. It also provides a case study on the role of pressure groups and formal associations in influencing government policy-making in the agricultural sector.