New Delhi: Maize availability is sufficient to cater to the demand of ethanol production, poultry and other purposes, the Government told Parliament, noting that 125.75 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of maize were utilised for ethanol production during the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024тАУ25.
The data was shared by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya in a reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha on December 17, 2025.
According to the reply, maize-based distilleries were allocated 477.8 crore litres of ethanol during ESY 2024тАУ25, for which 125.75 LMT of maize was utilised.
The Minister stated as per the final estimates of production of foodgrains for the year 2024-25, production of maize has increased substantially to about 434 LMT. The quantity of maize is sufficient to cater the demand of ethanol production, poultry and other purposes. To maintain feed availability, the poultry feed industry is also adopting other domestically available ingredients such as Rice bran, Broken Rice, Bajra and Wheat offal.
She further noted the Government accords the highest priority to food security in the country. Department of Food & Public Distribution regularly monitors/reviews the availability of foodgrains in the country and maintains the buffer stock of wheat and rice. Surplus FCI rice is being used for ethanol production, only when available in excess after maintaining buffer stocks and making provision for meeting the requirements of the Targeted PDS and Other Welfare Schemes (OWS).
Maize has emerged as the biggest feedstock for ethanol production and sufficient maize is available in the country even after utilization of maize as a feedstock for ethanol production.
The Government has said that 125.78 LMT of maize will be utilised for ethanol production during the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025тАУ26, highlighting maizeтАЩs growing role as the largest feedstock in IndiaтАЩs ethanol blending programme.
Government is conducting study for feasibility of sweet sorghum as an alternate feedstock for production of ethanol to diversify the feedstock base for ethanol production.
