A delegation from the All India Kisan Coordination Committee (AIKCC) met with Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi to discuss ethanol policy and farmer income. The delegation included farmer leaders from Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and other states, representing various farmer organizations including Bharatiya Kisan Union, Shetkari Sanghatana, and the National Association for Farmer Producer Organisations.
The farmers expressed strong support for ethanol production, stating it represents a significant opportunity for the farming sector that will increase farmers' income and secure the country's energy security. They emphasized that ethanol would create new markets for agricultural produce beyond traditional mandis, reaching petrol pumps and energy markets, thereby reducing problems of crop spoilage and storage. The farmers specifically mentioned sugarcane, maize, rice and other feedstocks as benefiting from ethanol production.
However, the farmers set conditions for their support, insisting that the ethanol policy must be farmer-centric and ensure that proper prices for crops reach farmers directly rather than benefiting only companies or middlemen. They requested that the government maintain balance in prices and demand for maize, rice, sugarcane and other feedstocks, with particular emphasis on protecting the interests of maize farmers.
The farmers also addressed misinformation about ethanol, noting that confusion is being spread on social media regarding vehicle damage and harm to farmers. They requested that the Agriculture Ministry and farmer organizations work together to clearly explain which crops benefit from ethanol and how to shift from water-intensive crops to drought-tolerant varieties. They suggested using reels, short videos and ground-level meetings to reach the younger generation with accurate information.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan carefully listened to all suggestions and assured the delegation that the Central Government will take farmers' views on ethanol seriously. He committed to reviewing the policy to maintain price-demand balance for various feedstocks and emphasized that decisions will be taken from the perspective of farmer interest. The Minister stated that the government's focus is on ensuring the largest share of benefits goes to farmers while strengthening both the country's energy security and farmers' income.
Both parties emphasized partnership rather than opposition, with the Minister stating that farmer organizations are policy partners. The AIKCC delegation committed to taking the message back to villages that confusion regarding ethanol will be addressed through facts and ground experience, while working with the government to strengthen farmer-friendly policies.