New Delhi: Corn-based ethanol has boosted farmer incomes by nearly ₹50,000 crore, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Friday, stressing that biofuels can help cut India’s dependence on fossil fuel imports and reduce transport-related emissions that account for about 40 per cent of the country’s pollution.
Speaking at the 5th International Climate Summit (ICS 2025) organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gadkari said farmers can play a key role in energy production. “Biofuels can reduce the country’s massive fossil fuel imports and tackle air pollution. Our farmers can change this by turning agriculture into energy, through biofuels like ethanol. Ethanol boost has helped the corn farmers to earn better price for their produce and farmers will not just grow food but also fuel for aviation, construction, equipment and vehicles,” he said.
Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI, said the summit has become an important platform for advancing India’s climate and energy agenda, noting that bioenergy reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels by providing renewable and decentralised energy sources.
Global experts also highlighted the role of corn in the energy transition. Wagner Albuquerque de Almeida, Global Director at IFC, said, “Bio-economy transitions are not just about climate action but also about job creation, prosperity, and community empowerment.”
Dr J.P. Gupta, Chair of the Environment & Climate Change Committee, PHDCCI, said India is witnessing a “Corn Revolution” which will contribute to food and energy security and decarbonisation. “Ethanol is emerging as the most preferred pathway not only for energy security but also for the production of chemicals,” he added.
The summit also saw participation from global industry, research and government stakeholders, with sessions on 2G ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel, bioplastics, hydrogen and e-methanol.
