Govt to Cut Broken Rice in PDS to Boost Ethanol Production

• Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra announced a proposal to reduce broken rice allocation in PDS from 25% to 10%.
• This move will free up 90 lakh tonnes of broken rice annually for the ethanol sector, ensuring stable feedstock.
• The change aims to improve PDS grain quality, ease logistics, and provide a predictable supply for ethanol production.
• India's ethanol blending in petrol reached 20%, saving over Rs 1.63 lakh crore and cutting crude oil imports.
• Government is considering raising blending limits, mixing ethanol with diesel, and promoting flex-fuel vehicles.