India, June 29 -- With grain-based ethanol production surpassing sugar-based output for the first time, the sugar industry is feeling the heat and has urged the central government to revise ethanol procurement prices and provide support for technology upgrades.

At a recent meeting of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) held in Pune, industry representatives expressed concern over the shift in ethanol production trends and its impact on the viability of sugar mills.

According to data discussed at the meeting, ethanol production from grain-based sources has reached 650 crore litres in 2024-25, while production from sugar-based sources stands at 250 crore litres. This marks a significant shift from 2017-18, when ...