New Delhi, May 1 -- The Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has defended India's ethanol blending programme, saying it has delivered "unequivocally positive" outcomes, even as recent commentary flagged concerns over water stress linked to ethanol production.

The response comes amid concerns about the potential water impact of ethanol production, particularly from water-intensive crops like rice, and stressed the need for sustainable resource management.

Responding to the concerns, ISMA said, "While concerns have been raised in recent commentary, it is important to recognise that the Ethanol Blending Programme was introduced at a time when the sugar sector was facing a severe glut in 2018, with prices falling to de...