Udupi: The Sugar and Textiles Minister Shankar Patil Munenakoppa has announced on Friday December 31 that the State Government will introduce a separate ethanol policy to encourage ethanol production in sugar factories.

Speaking to mediapersons he informed that boosting ethanol production from sugar will be prioritised because the Centre has set a target of 20 per cent ethanol blending by 2025.

“After travelling Uttar Pradesh, where sugar is primarily grown, I came to the conclusion that sugar production will not be viable. So, through a separate policy, ethanol production will be boosted in the State,” he explained.

“Since the State has 88 sugar factories, a research team will be formed and ethanol production will be increased,” he added.