📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Leonhard Lenz
Agriculture
Scientists Protest India's E20 Fuel Policy Over Water and Crop Risks
✍️ Amar Ujala
🗓 13 Sep 2026, 06:39 PM
👁 4
Indian scientists have voiced strong opposition to the government's E20 fuel policy, citing potential threats to water resources, agriculture and groundwater. They also called for science‑based decision making.
New Delhi – A group of Indian scientists has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the government's recent decision to promote E20 fuel, a blend containing 20% ethanol. The experts argue that the policy could jeopardise water availability, affect crop yields and deplete groundwater reserves, especially in regions dependent on rain‑fed agriculture.
The scientists highlighted that large‑scale ethanol production often requires substantial water inputs and agricultural land, which may compete with food crops. They warned that diverting water and arable land to ethanol could exacerbate existing stresses on India's water tables and agricultural sector.
In addition to environmental concerns, the researchers urged policymakers to adopt a science‑driven approach when formulating fuel strategies. They emphasized that rigorous impact assessments and stakeholder consultations are essential to balance energy goals with the country's agrarian and water security needs.
The scientific community's protest adds to a growing debate over the feasibility of blending ethanol into the national fuel mix without compromising India's vital resources.
The scientists highlighted that large‑scale ethanol production often requires substantial water inputs and agricultural land, which may compete with food crops. They warned that diverting water and arable land to ethanol could exacerbate existing stresses on India's water tables and agricultural sector.
In addition to environmental concerns, the researchers urged policymakers to adopt a science‑driven approach when formulating fuel strategies. They emphasized that rigorous impact assessments and stakeholder consultations are essential to balance energy goals with the country's agrarian and water security needs.
The scientific community's protest adds to a growing debate over the feasibility of blending ethanol into the national fuel mix without compromising India's vital resources.