India, May 12 -- India's ambitious ethanol blending programme has hit a significant milestone, with cumulative supplies crossing 515 crore litres in the first half of the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26. Data released by the All India Distillers' Association (AIDA) reveals a structural shift in the country's biofuel landscape, with maize emerging as the single-largest feedstock, surpassing traditional sugarcane-based sources.

According to the latest industry estimates, the sector has already fulfilled nearly 49 per cent of the total contracted volume of 1,059 crore litres. Grain-based distilleries have been the primary engine of this growth, contributing approximately 333 crore litres to the national pool.

Out of this, maize-based eth...