Question : BAN ON EXPORT OF ETHANOL

(a) whether the Government has put an official ban on export of Ethanol;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government proposes to increase the percentage of Ethanol in the mixture of Petrol-Diesel and to promote the export of Ethanol;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the Government proposes to take any meaningful steps in the interest of Indian farmers in view of increase in the export of Ethanol in future; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a): No Madam.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): No Madam.

(d): Does not arise.

(e) & (f): The Government is granting loans from the Sugar Development Fund at a concessional rate to sugar factories to utilize the by-products like molasses to improve revenue generation and their viability. This is also expected to help reduce cane price arrears through increased liquidity of sugar mills which in turn helps the sugar mill to pay the farmers of their produce.