BS Thorat, GR Pawar, AS Patil, K Gangadharam and AD Kadlag
Increasing energy demands for erratically increasing population, urbanization, industrialization and environmental concerns related to fossil fuels have inclined researchers to explore alternative resources of energy. Biofuels have gained much importance due to the depleting fossil fuel resources and the over-accumulation of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the environment. Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) has great potential as a major feedstock for biofuel production worldwide. It is considered among the best options for producing biofuels today due to an exceptional biomass production capacity, high carbohydrate (sugar + fiber) content, and a favourable energy input/output ratio. The conversion of sugarcane biomass into fermentable sugars for second-generation ethanol production is a promising alternative to meet future demands of biofuel production in the country. Scientific interventions have not only helped to improve the cane crop but industrial procedures have also been upgraded resulting in improved production of bioethanol. However, building a bridge between science and industry requires investments in research, development and transfer of new technologies to the industry as well as specialized personnel to deal with new technological challenges.
BS Thorat, GR Pawar, AS Patil, K Gangadharam, AD Kadlag. Sugarcane: A treasure of bio-energy. Int J Res Agron 2024;7(7S):311-320. DOI: 10.33545/2618060X.2024.v7.i7Se.1046