The Golden Grain Dilemma: How Maize is Fuelling India’s Energy Dreams—and Its Debates

Dr. Mamtamayi Priyadarshini 
India’s ambitious drive to enhance ethanol production, particularly from corn, has led to significant agricultural and trade dynamics shifts. The Indian government aims to achieve a 20% ethanol blend by 2025-26, up from the current 13%. Today, ethanol distilleries have become significant consumers of maize, a crop traditionally used by the poultry and starch industries. This policy shift has transformed India from a net exporter to a net importer of maize. Exports have fallen from 2-4 million metric tons to approximately 450,000 tons in 2024, while imports have surged to around 1 million tons.
The increased domestic demand for maize has led to a surge in local prices, adversely affecting poultry and starch manufacturing industries. These sectors now compete directly with ethanol producers for maize supplies. Poultry producers, in particular, are struggling with elevated feed costs. They are advocating for the removal of import duties and the lifting of bans on genetically modified (GM) maize to alleviate the pressure. This move can pose a serious threat to Indian farmers cultivating non-GM maize varieties which could lead to reduced local production, jeopardizing livelihoods and increasing rural distress.GM maize has significant risks to biodiversity. Cross-pollination with indigenous maize varieties can lead to genetic contamination, undermining India’s agricultural diversity. Moreover, GM crops often require increased chemical inputs, leading to soil degradation and ecosystem harm. The safety of GM maize consumption remains a contentious issue. Studies have raised concerns about potential allergenicity and long-term health impacts, emphasizing the need for cautious adoption. Allowing GM maize imports grants control over seed production to multinational corporations, compromising India’s agricultural autonomy. A study published by the Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association in 2023 emphasized the benefits of promoting non-GM maize, citing consumer preferences and international demand for non-GM crops. Similarly, environmental groups and farmer organizations have called for a ban on GM maize imports to protect India’s agricultural ecosystem. These trends underscore the urgent need for domestic solutions.
India’s maize production capacity is sufficient to meet domestic demand if supported by the right policies. By focusing on non-GM maize, India can secure its food supply chain while meeting industrial demand. This approach supports multiple industries, including ethanol, poultry, and starch manufacturing, without compromising on safety or sustainability. Non-GM maize aligns with consumer preferences and international market demands, providing opportunities for both domestic use and export. It preserves biodiversity and reduces the environmental footprint associated with chemical-intensive farming. This aligns with global trends which favours sustainable agricultural practices.

Recently, The Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) has been at the forefront of efforts to boost maize production. Collaborating with entities such as the All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA), the Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA), and private ventures, IIMR focuses on developing high-starch maize hybrids with 68-70% recoverable starch. These initiatives aim to enhance maize yields and support the growing demand from the ethanol industry. Furthermore, IIMR is working on developing maize varieties with higher ethanol recovery rates. The main agenda aims to increase ethanol content from the existing 38% to at least 40% or above. In the next 1-2 years, IIMR is expected to develop a variety with a recovery level of 41-42% ethanol, measured based on starch content. These advancements not only enhance India’s ethanol capacity but also provide a lucrative avenue for farmers to diversify and increase their incomes. The adoption of high-starch maize hybrids has the potential to transform rural economies. It can also reduce India’s crude oil imports, and contribute to its sustainable development goals. IIMR’s initiatives to develop maize catchment areas should be scaled across regions. These programs can ensure consistent maize supplies while empowering local communities.
Promoting the cultivation of non-GM maize within India presents a viable solution to these challenges. To capitalize on these developments and promote non-GM maize cultivation, policymakers must adopt policies like providing financial incentives and support to farmers adopting non-GM maize varieties, ensuring a stable supply for domestic industries. They must allocate resources to research institutions for the development of high-yield, high-starch non-GM maize hybrids suitable for ethanol production. There is also a need to establish robust market linkages between maize farmers and ethanol manufacturers to facilitate contract farming and ensure better pricing.
Conclusion
India stands at a crossroads in its ethanol journey. By prioritizing non-GM maize, the country can achieve its energy goals sustainably while safeguarding farmer livelihoods, environmental health, and food security. India has the expertise, resources, and vision to lead the global transition to sustainable energy and agriculture. By embracing non-GM maize, we can build a self-reliant maize economy, protect rural communities, and advance toward a sustainable future. The time to act is now. Let us safeguard India’s agricultural future by saying no to GM maize and championing a sustainable, prosperous, and self-reliant maize sector.

Dr. Mamtamayi Priyadarshini, Environmentalist, Social Worker, and Trustee of Prashubhgiri (A Trust for Farmers’ Voices).