(a) whether fresh foodgrains are being used in the production of alcohol in different States including Maharashtra;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has any comparative study data regarding production of alcohol from fresh and rotten grains;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the use of fresh grains in alcohol production is affecting food security of the country; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES(SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)
(a): Alcohol is a State subject. All matters relating to
issuance of license for manufacturing and monitoring etc are
dealt by the respective State Governments. The Ministry of
Food Processing Industries has no information on the use of
fresh foodgrains by States including Maharashtra for alcohol
production. However, the Ministry’s mandate is to promote
processing of fruits and vegetable products including
foodgrains into value added foodproducts, thereby,
minimizing wastages, it does not promote production of
alcohol from foodgrains.
(b): Does not arise
(c) to (f): The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has
neither conducted any comparative study nor does it maintain
any database on production of alcohol either from fresh or
rotten grains.