The Indian sugar industry and the Indian sugarcane growing farmer had this toxic relationship, which often spilled over into politics and rural crime. The Ethanol industry along with the automotive industry are happily breaking this 300-year-old dragnet.
E20 may be bad for the health of car engines (experts say that) but I know that ethanol mixed with petrol is very good for the farmers in India.
I have personally experienced the pain that sugarcane farmers go through every year at sugar mills. It is more like selling the farmer’s family for prostitution.
The politics of the sugar lobby both in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra is toxic.
I am happy that this 300-year-old dragnet is being broken by Shri Nitin Gadkariji Nitin Gadkari
If I had been a Director General of an automotive business chamber or association, then I would have conducted an annual competition among students of mechanical engineering, where the most E35 compatible engine would receive prize money. But then I am not.
As of now, the Honourable Supreme Court dismisses the PIL on availability of E0 fuel and marking of dispensers etc. E20 is a reality we have to live with (reportedly we shall have E27 soon). Experts say that this will lead to more maintenance expenses on cars. I don’t think so. I think innovative technology will soon catch up with the new reality. No way but onwards, as Isaac Asimov said decades ago.
A few years ago, I met the board of directors of the Indian Sugar Mills Association. They were thinking about how to advise the auto industry on how to make engines tuned to ethanol at different percentages. I suppose they are still thinking about it. I see no action on the ground.
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