India, June 14 -- Geopolitical shocks have once again highlighted India's dependence on imported energy. With prices rising and shipping lanes under pressure, vulnerability extends beyond crude: Imported natural gas underpins domestic ammonia and urea, placing the fertiliser supply chain on the same fault line. Strengthening energy security, therefore, also means insulating agriculture from imported gas volatility.

Much of the required policy architecture already exists. The ethanol programme shows what disciplined targets, assured offtake, and predictable pricing can deliver: 20% blending achieved on schedule, meaningful forex savings, and large-scale income transfers to farmers. The next step is to apply the same clarity and ambition t...