Food vs Fuel Is the Wrong Question? India’s Ethanol Push Aims to Power Cars and Support Farmers—Without Compromising Food Securit

An expert argues the food-versus-fuel framing is misleading: India reached 20% ethanol blending in 2025 and surplus grain stocks mean ethanol need not displace food. With regenerative farming, efficient irrigation, and better soil management, farmers can supply feedstocks while earning stable income. The crucial issue is designing sustainable systems that produce both food and fuel without harming resources.