Value Chain Model for bio-ethanol production from sweet sorghum in rainfed areas through collective action and partnership
Sweet sorghum Stover is relished by the livestock and digestibility is high. Keeping in view of the potential of sweet sorghum for ethanol production, research has been intensified in sweet sorghum since 2000. The project aims towards making the sweet sorghum a viable supplement feed stock for ethanol production to meet the demand all over the world. It is part of the ongoing effort to which amply demonstrate the commercial viability of this technology. It is the world’s first sweet sorghum based ethanol production distillery, and has become a model for the establishment of such industries world over.
Objectives of this project are 1. Assess economic and environmental viability, enabling policies and institutions for promoting cultivation of sweet sorghum for bio-ethanol production and its impact on environment, rural incomes, livelihoods and social capital development. 2. Develop and establish pilot-scale Public Private People Partnership (PPPPs) value chain bio-ethanol enterprise models through "Seed-to-Tank" approach encompassing sweet sorghum production, processing, value addition, marketing and protecting environment. 3. Farmers' participatory multi location testing of the improved biomass (stalks and grain) and juice yielding sweet sorghum cultivars under on-farm situations and development of production and seed systems in the targeted area. 4. Fine-tuning of package of practices for increased harvest window, mechanization and development of protocols for by-product utilization. 5. Capacity building and skill development of all the stakeholders including rural communities in the enhanced sweet sorghum production and value chain for bio-ethanol production. Partners: National Agricultural innovation project (NAIP)
