The ongoing debate between food and fuel is one with repercussions for societies across the globe, most notably those still striving to achieve self-sufficiency in food. This debate has come to the forefront recently in India, with the Centre’s ethanol blending scheme generating some controversy.
Traditionally, ethanol, a biofuel, has been derived from food crops such as corn, sugarcane and soybean. Consequently, a dilemma has risen about the pertaining morality and sustainability of cultivating crops for fuel over food, particularly amidst increasing global concerns over food security.
The Centre’s ethanol blending scheme seeks to divert this paradigm – instead of deriving ethanol from food crops, it proposes a model that uses surplus rice available with the Food Corporation of India. The government aims to blend about 10% of ethanol with petrol by the year 2022, and 20% by 2025. The move is in alignment with India’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change while also meeting its energy demands.
However, critics argue that this use of edible grains for fuel production is a misstep, especially when India holds home to a large populace struggling with malnutrition and food insecurity. Questions are being raised regarding the programme’s impact on the availability and pricing of these grains and how it may inadvertently affect the affordability of food supplies for marginalised communities.
On the other hand, proponents of the scheme highlight its potential to aid rural economies, promote cleaner energy alternatives, and contribute towards the country’s energy self-reliance. Especially in light of recent fluctuations in global crude oil prices, this may prove to be a valuable buffer.
The key to striking a successful balance lies in carefully calibrated policies that define the terms of ethanol production. Effective and sustainable solutions can take the form of tapping underutilised crops or agricultural residues for ethanol production, thus avoiding a direct competition between food and fuel.
The Centre’s ethanol blending scheme, with the objectives it boasts, is a worthy initiative. However, it is crucial to remember that its success hinges on our ability to ensure that it does not compromise food security. It is indeed possible to walk the tightrope between promoting renewable energy resources and safeguarding food availability; the need of the hour is to craft a sensible, sustainable path forward.
