9JUNE 2025ETHANOL CAPACITY SOARS 4X TO 1,810 CR LITRES IN MODI GOVT'S 11 YEARSPIYUSH GOYAL INVITES SWISS FIRMS TO INVEST & EXPAND OPERATIONS IN INDIAIn an impressive drive to intensify India-Switzerland economic relations, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has invited leading Swiss companies to increase their presence in India because of its dynamic and fast-growing market and a strong policy environment.During a month of intensified meetings in Bern at the highest level, Goyal met with the management of major Swiss companies in the fields of biotechnology, healthcare, precision manufacturing, cybersecurity, automation and advanced materials. The discussion was under the innovation, technology transfer and sustainable manufacturing. "India offers a transparent regulatory framework, strong intellectual · Ethanol production capacity over 1,810 crore litres since 2013· Ethanol supply to OMCs increased 18-fold from 38 to 707 crore litres· India targets 20 percent ethanol blending by the 2025-26 supply year· Goyal invites Swiss firms to expand in India's growing market· Swiss businesses eye India for R&D, manufacturing, and innovation· Talks focus on biotech, pharma, and defence, with EFTA Desk support offeredthe incomes of farmers, has now gained real momentum as ethanol blending with petrol has increased from 1.53 per cent in 2013-14 to 18.74 per cent by May 25 in the current ethanol supply year (2024-25).The official mentioned that ethanol supplied to Oil Marketing Companies grew over 18 times, growing from 38 crore litres in 2013-14 to over 707 crore litres in 2023-24. The growth has also so far saved foreign exchange more than Rs. 1.10 lakh crore, while generating about Rs. 2 lakh crore in revenue for distilleries over the past decade.Government schemes offering interest subvention have been crucial in this respect. Under these schemes, financial institutions can provide loans to distilleries at subsidized interest rates, while governments subsidize (for a maximum period of 5 years) up to 6 per cent of the interest costs. In early March 2025, the government launched a new scheme for cooperative sugar mills to ease the transition towards multi-feed size ethanol plants.Of the total capacity, 816 crores per year (Litre per year) is molasses-based, 858 Crores is grain-based, and 136 Crores is dual-feed.The government has set a target overall 20 per cent blending for the 2025­26 supply year, which aligns with its overall objectives on energy security and sustainable development objectives. property rights, and a pro-investment climate," the minister assured during the meeting. Two focused roundtables, organized by the Indian Embassy, covered sectoral opportunities in biotech, pharma, precision engineering, defence and emerging technologies. Goyal invited Swiss businesses to utilize the EFTA Desk at Invest India to get facilitation assistance."India is willing to work towards regulatory harmonisation and mutual recognition agreements," Goyal stated, underlining New Delhi's commitment to bilateral business growth.The Swiss companies were very bullish about the Indian innovation-driven economic emergence. Whether it is cancer treatments, fibre optics and industrial automation, the Swiss managers sang lauds of the Indian talent, rising consumer market, and the Indian manufacturing capacities. "For many, India is not only a promising market but also an ideal base for manufacturing, R&D, and co-creation of globally competitive solutions," the statement said.Goyal also applauded Switzerland Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) in maintaining the professional standards and making contribution to the bilateral ecosystem. The Swiss businesses expressed their willingness to be a part of India in its further stage of globalization. India's ethanol production capacity has grown from 421 crore litres in 2013 to 1,810 crore litres by 2024, a fourfold increase in production capacity over 11 years. A senior official stated that the growth was primarily due to the favourable policy interventions and financial support implemented by the central government.The Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme, first launched in 2003 aimed primarily at reducing crude oil import dependence, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing
< Page 8 | Page 10 >