E20 Blending Boosts Punjab Farmers’ Income, Eases Millers’ Burden: Amritsar Rice Millers Association

August 2, 2026

Amritsar: Highlighting the economic benefits of the government’s E20 (20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol) initiative, Rajinder Salwan, President of the Amritsar Rice Millers Association, on Sunday said the programme is helping increase farmers’ income in Punjab and reducing the operational burden on millers.

Speaking to ANI, Salwan said, “It (E20 blending) has helped farmers and eased the burden of millers.”

Paddy Remains Major Investment Crop for Punjab Farmers

Explaining the role of paddy in Punjab’s agricultural economy, Salwan said that paddy is considered the primary investment crop for farmers in the state.

“Punjab sees major paddy cultivation. People in Punjab consume less paddy. As far as paddy cultivation is concerned, about 5 kg of seed is sown in 1 acre of land. In the case of wheat, about 50 kg of seed is sown. So, this is a saving for farmers,” he said.

He added that while farmers keep wheat mainly for their own consumption, most of the paddy produced is sold in the market, allowing farmers to invest earnings in major expenses such as purchasing tractors, building houses or other requirements.

E20 Programme Creates Stable Market for Surplus Rice

The E20 blending programme is part of the Centre’s strategy to reduce dependence on imported fuel and create a stable demand for surplus food grains.

Under the initiative, excess paddy and broken rice are diverted towards ethanol production, helping maintain demand for agricultural produce and ensuring timely payments to farmers.

The move is aimed at supporting the agricultural sector while promoting alternative fuel sources.

AAP Continues Opposition to E20 Policy

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has announced that he will lead a march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence on August 4 against the government’s E20 policy.

Kejriwal has raised three demands before the Centre — availability of both E20 and pure petrol options at fuel stations, making E20 cheaper than regular petrol, and reducing petrol prices below ₹84 per litre.

The proposed march is part of AAP’s ongoing campaign against the Centre’s ethanol blending policy.