Maize is the new wonder crop in the farms, as it is now fuelling India’s ethanol push in tune with the targets of National Agricultural Development Scheme goals, Maharashtra Government has ayed an outlay of Rs 115 crore in year 2026-27 for Gondia district where a new ethanol plant is coming up. As part of crop diversification, the State Government has found maize as the most suitable for farmland in the region, and same is seen as a way to supplement farmers’ income. As the plant would be using maize to help farmers diversify, the Government is going to provide Rs 30 lakh for setting-up tools bank that would come handy to plant maize. Of the Rs 115 crore funds, about Rs 6.64 crore will be utilised for undertaking training camp for farmers.

 

A meeting of State Level Cultivation Committee (SLCC) was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary that gave administrative sanction to proposal for establishment of ethanol plant. Further it deliberated on providing necessary supply chain and to increase maize cultivation in Gondia district along side. The SLCC has contemplated three-years period to increase maize cultivation in Gondia district. For the same, necessary tools bank relating to maize cultivation, farmers workshop and on field trails should be conducted to maximise exposure of farmers towards the new crop. As ethanol is now used for blending with petrol and diesel upto 20 per cent, maize cultivation is expanding quite rapidly as ryots are sensing future opportunity since it would be cash crop.

 

More than sugarcane molasses, maize is now highest in terms of utilisation of extraction of ethanol as Central Government is keen to diversify bio-fuels to find an alternative to expensive crude oil. At present about 45 per cent of maize is being crushed for production of ethanol in clean energy push in the country. This is about 25 per cent of total maize production in the country, says a study. The nod for new maize-based ethanol plant makes sense as the Government is offering heavy incentive for the same, around Rs 71.86/litre compared to molasses.