India to link maize varieties with ethanol content for better pricing

In India, The Hindu Business Line reported that the specifications in corn seeds are set for a change as the Indian government is planning to incorporate “ethanol content” when approval is sought to motivate farmers to opt for best varieties which can fetch better prices.

“It is essential for the farmers to know that the varieties they select contain how much ethanol so that they can demand from the distilleries the prices for the crop accordingly. Besides, the government should consider fixing MSP on the basis of ethanol content so that the maize having higher content can get more price, similar to the sugarcane model,” said an industry expert.

In next 1-2 years, the Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) is likely to develop a variety having a recovery level of 41-42 per cent ethanol (measured on basis of starch content), sources said. On the other hand, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will soon decide if every new maize seed must mention the ethanol content while seeking approval for commercial release, which was earlier not required, the report added.

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