Guwahati: Assam Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika has highlighted the potential of 100 per cent ethanol-based fuel (E100) to create new economic opportunities for farmers by connecting agricultural production with India’s growing renewable energy sector.
Emphasising the role of agriculture in achieving energy self-reliance, Hazarika said crops such as sugarcane and maize could contribute to biofuel production, enabling farmers to become not only food providers, or Annadatas, but also energy providers, or Urjadatas.
The minister outlined several potential benefits of expanding the biofuel sector, including stronger demand for agricultural produce, improved market access through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and cooperatives, and additional employment opportunities in rural areas. Activities such as crop collection, storage and processing could also help generate local jobs while allowing farmers to diversify their sources of income.
Hazarika stressed that transparent procurement systems, fair pricing and environmental sustainability would be essential to ensuring that farmers receive meaningful financial benefits from the initiative. He emphasised that the expansion of ethanol-based energy should support agricultural livelihoods while maintaining ecological balance.
The development comes after the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways amended motor vehicle regulations on October 26 to permit E100 fuel in vehicles specifically designed and certified for its use. The regulatory change provides a framework for wider adoption of high-ethanol fuels, although E100 is not approved for ordinary petrol vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Centre has restricted the use of sugarcane juice and B-heavy molasses for ethanol production during the 2026–27 ethanol supply year, placing greater emphasis on grain-based feedstocks such as maize.
Hazarika linked the wider adoption of biofuels with the vision of a self-reliant Assam and Atmanirbhar Bharat, highlighting the importance of creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers through agricultural innovation and renewable energy.
