As part of the government’s drive to increase ethanol blending in petrol, a three-day workshop focusing on maize-based bioethanol and catchment development began on Wednesday at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) in Ladhowal.
Titled “Empowering Field Implementation for Maize-Based Bioethanol and Catchment Development”, the event has brought together 27 field officers from 78 districts across 15 states. Participants shared updates from their respective regions, reporting progress in field practices, growing farmer engagement, and the adoption of new maize cultivation technologies.
Speaking at the workshop, ICAR-IIMR Director Dr. H.S. Jat underlined the importance of boosting maize productivity using scientific and cost-efficient approaches. He noted that with the government targeting 30% ethanol blending in petrol (E30) by 2030, maize is emerging as a vital feedstock. Meeting this target will require annual maize production to reach 65–70 million tonnes, growing at an estimated rate of 8–9% per year. According to Dr. Jat, this will be achievable only through the adoption of high-yielding maize varieties and enhanced mechanisation.
The workshop is being held under the umbrella of the project ‘Enhancing Maize Production in the Catchment Areas of Ethanol Industries’. Co-principal investigator Dr. Ph Romen Sharma, along with other scientists from the institute, also attended the event.
Dr. S.L. Jat, the project’s principal investigator, explained that the primary goal is to ensure a reliable supply of maize for ethanol production. He said the workshop provides a crucial platform for scientists and field personnel to exchange insights and coordinate more effectively.
Traditionally used for livestock feed and industrial applications, maize is now being positioned as a significant crop for ethanol production.
The workshop aligns with India’s broader push for sustainable maize farming, with a focus on ethanol. ICAR-IIMR is spearheading initiatives to promote Kharif maize in Punjab, supporting both crop diversification and addressing maize supply gaps in the region. During the 2025 Kharif season, the institute successfully showcased improved maize varieties across 450 acres in key districts such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, and Amritsar.
To reinforce these efforts, the institute is conducting training sessions and awareness programmes aimed at encouraging farmers to transition from water-intensive crops like paddy to maize-based systems. The shift is expected to contribute not only to ethanol production but also to groundwater conservation and improved soil health.
