%K SWOT analysis, Sweet sorghum, Ethanol, Value chain
%C Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India
%A G Basavaraj
%A P P Rao
%A Ch Ravinder Reddy
%I International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
%B Developing a Sweet Sorghum Ethanol Value Chain
%L icrisat7337
%P 197-200
%D 2013
%X In recent years there is considerable debate on alternative feedstocks for
bioethanol production to meet the mandated blending requirements with fossil
fuels (petrol). Worldwide, a number of feedstocks ranging from cereal grains to
sugarcane juice to molasses (obtained from conversion of cane juice to sugar)
are commonly being used. However, these feedstocks are being critically
examined for their role in increasing food costs and compromising on food
security. Sweet sorghum has emerged as an alternative crop whose stalks
are converted into juice for ethanol production. Two models for conversion
of sweet sorghum into ethanol have been pilot tested, ie., a centralized
model (stalks supplied directly to the distillery for ethanol production) and a
decentralized model where the syrup produced at village level is supplied to
distillery for ethanol production. A number issues and strengths in using sweet
sorghum as an alternative feedstock have emerged.
%T SWOT analysis of sweet sorghum ethanol value chain