On Friday, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari reassured sugar mill owners that a resolution to their concerns arising from the government’s policy on using sugar for ethanol production would be addressed after April, urging them not to worry.

Speaking at the International Sugarcane Conference organized by the Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Gadkari emphasized India’s potential to become an energy exporter and stressed the need to enhance agriculture for this transformation. Although the Union government initially prohibited using sugarcane juice for ethanol, it later revised the decision, allowing both sugarcane juice and B-heavy molasses for ethanol production but capped sugar diversion at 17 lakh tonnes.

Gadkari underscored the importance of prioritizing ethanol production in the sugar industry, advocating for “Maximum ethanol, minimum sugar.” He encouraged the promotion of flex engine vehicles and assured that the government would take appropriate steps regarding ethanol. He expressed confidence in finding a solution after April, having discussed the matter with the prime minister and other ministers.