Maize has emerged as India’s largest feedstock for ethanol production in Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025–26. The country produced 182 crore litres of maize-based ethanol in the first half of ESY 2025–26. Ethanol is made from sugarcane and grain-based raw materials, and maize is now the leading grain source. Compared with sugarcane, maize needs less irrigation water and has a shorter crop cycle. India’s E20 target aims at 20% ethanol blending in petrol, and Uttar Pradesh plans to expand maize cultivation to 11.3 lakh hectares in 2026–27 to support ethanol output.