24th June 2024 (12 Topics)
1
Jun
3
Jun
4
Jun
5
Jun
6
Jun
7
Jun
8
Jun
10
Jun
11
Jun
12
Jun
13
Jun
14
Jun
15
Jun
17
Jun
18
Jun
19
Jun
20
Jun
21
Jun
22
Jun
24
Jun
25
Jun
26
Jun
27
Jun
28
Jun
29
Jun
Ethanol: An Eco-friendly Fuel or Another Green Mirage?
You must be logged in to get greater insights. click here to login
Context
The push for ethanol as a green alternative to fossil fuels raises concerns about its true environmental impact. While it appears renewable and cleaner, several underlying issues challenge its sustainability and efficacy as an eco-friendly fuel.
Concerns Surrounding Ethanol Production:
- Energy Inefficiency: Ethanol production from sugarcane demands 4.99 megajoules per litre, with an energy return on investment (EROI) of only 4.26. This low EROI indicates that ethanol production is not as energy-efficient as other biofuels.
- Carbon Footprint: Despite a lower carbon footprint of 0.295 kg CO2 equivalent per litre compared to fossil fuels, the production and transportation of ethanol involve significant emissions, undermining its eco-friendly claims.
- Water Footprint: Ethanol production has a high water footprint of 1,344 litres per litre. In India, heavy reliance on groundwater for sugarcane irrigation exacerbates water scarcity, threatening both water and food security.
Impact on Agricultural Policy and Soil Health:
- Agricultural Policy Contradictions: The push for ethanol production conflicts with the crop diversification programme under the RKVY-Raftaar scheme, which aims to shift from water-intensive paddy to more sustainable crops. Increased ethanol production may lure farmers back to cultivating water-intensive crops, undermining these conservation efforts.
- Soil Degradation: Intensive sugarcane farming practices, such as monoculture, frequent tilling, and heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, degrade soil health. This leads to reduced agricultural productivity, waterlogging, soil compaction, and erosion.
- Biodiversity Loss: Monoculture reduces biodiversity, essential for maintaining soil structure and health, further exacerbating environmental degradation.
Food Security and Economic Implications:
- Competition for Land: Diverting agricultural land for biofuel production reduces the area available for food crops, leading to higher food prices and potential food shortages. This competition can result in decreased food crop production and increased food insecurity.
- Price Volatility: The World Bank reported that rapid biofuel expansion can cause food price spikes, making basic necessities less affordable for low-income households. Biofuel crop prices are influenced by both food and energy markets, making them susceptible to fluctuations in oil prices and energy policies.
UPSC Mains Questions:
Q. Analyze the potential risks of biofuel production on food security in India. Suggest policy interventions to ensure food security while supporting biofuel initiatives.
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
