To
Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh
Secretary (Consumer Affairs)
Govt of India
Dear Shri Singh,
I understand that the Punjab Agriculture Department is planning to divert 2 lakh acres under paddy crop to raise maize for ethanol production
I am afraid that such a drastic change in land use will reduce rice availability and consequently affect food security. Have the Central Ministries examined the implications?
In that connection, I request you to peruse my article on the trade-offs in ethanol production (https://countercurrents.org/2023/09/global-biofuel-alliance-at-g20-land-vs-water-vs-food-security-has-the-government-addressed-the-trade-offs/)
I hope that your Ministry will find out the details from the Punjab government and consult Niti Ayog on the future course of action.
Regards,
Yours sincerely,
E A S Sarma
Former Secretary to the Government of India
Visakhapatnam
