Permission for Ethanol Production from Sugarcane Juice.

Meeting with Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah within a Month — Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Informs Legislative Assembly.

Mumbai : To prevent losses for sugarcane farmers, the central government should maintain the policy of allowing ethanol production from sugarcane juice. A meeting with the Union Minister of Cooperation will be held this month to discuss this demand. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed confidence in the Legislative Assembly today that the central government will make a decision in the best interest of sugarcane farmers.

Responding to issues raised by Assembly members Jayant Patil and Rajesh Tope, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that the central government’s policy was to promote ethanol production from sugarcane juice. Loans at an interest rate of six percent were also made available for the establishment of such projects. However, over time, to control sugar prices and prevent shortages, the central government changed its policy on ethanol production. Given the record sugar production in both the state and the country, there is a need to reconsider the decision to ban ethanol production from sugarcane juice. Informal discussions have already taken place with Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, who has shown a positive stance on the matter. Hence, efforts will be made to resolve this issue by meeting with the central ministers within a month after the conclusion of the legislative session. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the FRP (Fair and Remunerative Price). Similarly, there is a need to increase the MSP (Minimum Support Price) as well. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed confidence that a decision will be made considering the interests of both sugarcane farmers and consumers.