In Jalgaon district, all three sugar factories have shut down. As a result, farmers who were growing sugarcane have switched to maize.
Maize cultivation has increased dramatically: from ~84,000 hectares last year to ~194,500 hectares this year — that’s about a 210% increase.
The maize boom is especially visible in areas like Jamner, Amalner, Chalisgaon, Chopda, Bodwad, Raver, Yaval.
Without operating sugar mills, the traditional cash crop (sugarcane) is no longer viable for many farmers.
- The central government has mandated 20% ethanol blending in petrol. That means there will be large demand for ethanol as an additive in fuel.
- Since there is no ethanol project currently in Jalgaon district, the administration sees an opportunity: set up ethanol plants using maize as feedstock.
District administration is drawing up a plan to attract industrialists / investors to set up ethanol factories in the region.
These new projects would also generate employment opportunities in the area.
Meetings are already being held with potential entrepreneurs.
Farmers are getting a new cash crop (maize) that they believe will fetch good prices.
If ethanol factories come up, it could reduce import dependence (for ethanol or feedstocks) and help meet blending targets. ✔️
Jobs in the region could rise, especially in agro‑processing, distillation, transport, etc.
There may be risks: e.g., maize price fluctuations, infrastructure investments needed, and whether ethanol plants can be profitable.
