India still looking at rice for ethanol production despite doubts

In India, in yet another about turn, the Financial Express newspaper reports that the transportation minister says the Prime Minister and other key officials are still considering the use of surplus rice as ethanol feedstock. India has become self-sufficient in rice so rather than storing surplus rice indefinitely, the government believes it is safe to use it as feedstock without jeopardizing food security. Opposition leaders have slammed the government, saying if there is surplus it should be distributed to the poor instead of used for fuel.