Chandigarh, August 5: The President of the Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party, Keval Singh Dhillon, condemned the assembly’s recent proposal that calls for the central government to halt the mandatory E20 ethanol blending program. He labeled the decision as “politically motivated,” “factually misleading,” and “against the interests of the state’s farmers.”
Dhillon stated that instead of supporting a progressive national policy that enhances India’s energy security and boosts farmers’ incomes, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has chosen to play politics at the expense of Punjab’s agricultural future.
In a statement, he remarked, “Ethanol blending is not just an energy policy; it is a revolutionary initiative that benefits farmers, consumers, the environment, and the national economy. The AAP government’s attempt to portray it negatively either reflects a lack of understanding or a deliberate effort to mislead the people of Punjab.”
He noted that many developed and developing nations have successfully adopted ethanol-blended fuels as part of their long-term energy strategies.
“Countries like Brazil and the USA have relied on ethanol blending for decades, while many others are increasingly using ethanol to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, lower emissions, and promote renewable energy,” Dhillon added.
The state BJP leader emphasized that the ethanol blending program has created a stable and additional market for agricultural products like corn and sugarcane, providing farmers with new income opportunities beyond traditional procurement systems.
“As the demand for ethanol feedstock rises, farmers benefit from better prices, crop diversification, and reduced reliance on a few crops. For Punjab, where crop diversification has become essential, ethanol is not a threat but a significant opportunity. Instead of opposing this initiative, the state government should encourage farmers to seize emerging market opportunities and promote investment in ethanol production,” he urged.
Dhillon criticized the AAP government for attempting to mislead farmers by distorting facts.
He further explained, “The reality is that most agricultural machinery, including tractors, harvesters, generators, and other farming equipment, runs on diesel, while ethanol blending occurs in petrol. Therefore, this policy will not adversely affect Punjab’s farmers.”
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