The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) on Saturday, 18 July strongly endorsed the Centre's ethanol blending programme in Bhopal, dismissing concerns over excessive water consumption and asserting that the biofuel serves the interests of both farmers and the nation. The farmers' body simultaneously demanded that petrol and diesel be brought under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime to ensure uniform fuel pricing nationwide.

BKS Defends Ethanol Programme

BKS National President K. Sai Reddy, addressing a press conference in Bhopal, said misinformation was being actively spread about ethanol production. He maintained that the biofuel helps increase farmers' income, reduces India's dependence on imported crude oil, and contributes to curbing pollution.

'Opposing ethanol is against the interests of farmers and the nation,' Reddy said, adding that ethanol derived from crops such as sugarcane, maize, and rice provides cultivators with better returns while strengthening the country's energy security. He also favoured promoting vehicles capable of running entirely on ethanol.

Water-Use Allegations Rejected

Reddy categorically rejected the claim that ethanol production wastes thousands of litres of water, calling it 'completely false.' He explained that only a limited quantity of water is required to extract juice from sugarcane, and that water used within factories is recycled — not wasted. Critics have argued that water-intensive ethanol feedstocks strain agricultural water tables, but the BKS contends such concerns are overstated and based on misinformation.

On vehicle performance concerns, Reddy noted that ethanol-blended petrol has been in use across the country for the past five years. He said that if vehicles develop technical problems as a result, manufacturers should address them rather than attributing blame to the fuel itself.

Key Demands: GST on Fuel, MSP Procurement, Crop Insurance

Beyond ethanol, the BKS pressed several demands on the government. The organisation sought inclusion of petrol and diesel under the GST framework, arguing it would eliminate price disparities across states and deliver relief to end consumers. Currently, fuel is outside the GST ambit, allowing states to levy their own taxes independently — a structure critics say creates significant regional price gaps.

The farmers' body also demanded hassle-free procurement of crops at the minimum support price (MSP), increased procurement of moong, and early release of the Madhya Pradesh government's share under the crop insurance scheme so that pending claims are settled without further delay.

Reddy additionally appealed to farmers to adopt natural farming practices to reduce cultivation costs.

BKS Meets CM Mohan Yadav Over Kailaras Sugar Mill

Earlier on Saturday, a BKS delegation met Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and demanded that the Kailaras Sugar Mill in Morena be transferred to farmers through a cooperative society rather than being privatised. The delegation also proposed forming a committee comprising farmers, shareholders, and technical experts under the district collector to manage the mill's operations.

According to the BKS, Chief Minister Yadav assured the delegation that the proposal would be given due consideration. The outcome of that review is expected to shape the future of one of the region's key agro-industrial assets.

With ethanol policy, fuel taxation, and farm income all on the table, the BKS's positions signal a broader push to align energy and agricultural policy more closely with cultivator interests ahead of the next crop season.