DR. SANGEETA SRIVASTAVA Executive Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited
Mumbai-headquartered Godavari Biorefineries began its journey in 1939 as The Godavari Sugar Mills and has steadily evolved into one of India's most integrated biorefineries. In line with the Centre's ethanol blending programme, Godavari Biorefineries is working on producing ethanol from sugarcane at its Sameerwadi facility in Karnataka, with key focus on sustainability measures. Speaking with AgroSpectrum, Dr Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL), reveals more about the innovations for the agri sector, the growth plans, and how ethanol from sugarcane could become a gamechanger, Edited excerpts:
Could you take us through your journey since inception?
Our journey has been one of resilience and transformation. We began in 1939 as The Godavari Sugar Mills and have steadily evolved into one of India's most integrated biorefineries. Today, we operate out of Sameerwadi in Karnataka and Sakarwadi in Maharashtra, and have a very diverse portfolio. It ranges from sugar, ethanol, rectified spirits, renewable power, and advanced bio-based chemicals such as MPO, natural 1,3 butylene glycol and ethyl vinyl ether.
These products serve critical industries like pharmaceuticals, food, fragrances, coatings, and personal care. We export to more than 20 countries, and what really differentiates us is our ability to combine science, scale, and sustainability. Our focus on research has led to patents in advanced molecules and bio-chemicals, which reflects the spirit of evolution that defines our journey.
How do you foresee the future of ethanol from sugarcane in the long run, especially in the agri industry?
Ethanol has a critical role in India's energy transition, and the government's ethanol blending programme is a national priority. This is because it strengthens our energy security and reduces dependence on fossil fuels. More importantly, it gives sugarcane farmers an additional and stable source of income beyond sugar.
In 2024-25, we achieved a record cane crushing of 24.65 lakh tonne at our Sameerwadi facility, which helped us maximise ethanol production. This ensures that sugarcane by-products are fully utilised during the crushing season.
In the long run, sugarcane ethanol will continue to play an essential role, but we also see it being complemented by grain and maize based ethanol, creating a multi-feedstock ecosystem.
Our upcoming 200 KLPD grain-based facility will help build a multi-feedstock ecosystem, a more resilient and circular agri-economy that strengthens farmer incomes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advances India's journey towards net zero.
What are your current sustainability and circular economy practices, and for the future?
For us, sustainability is not an initiative; it's at the heart of how we operate. Every part of the sugarcane is put to use. Bagasse is converted into renewable power, molasses and juice go into ethanol, and other by-products are converted into fertilisers, chemicals, or even energy inputs. By extracting maximum value, we ensure nothing goes to waste.
Across our operations, we're constantly working on energy efficiency, emission reduction, and water conservation. At the product level, we're innovating with renewable solvents, intermediates, and other bio-based chemicals that are made entirely from sugarcane feedstocks. Looking ahead, we are scaling microbial fermentation and biotransformation technologies.
What plans do you have for the existing and upcoming plants, if any?
Ethanol production is concentrated at our Sameerwadi facility in Karnataka, which is one of the country's largest integrated sugar and ethanol complexes. In FY25, we achieved a record cane crush of 24.65 lakh tonne, among the highest single-factory crushes in India, which enabled us to maximise ethanol output.
Looking ahead, we are investing in a 200 KLPD maize/grain-based distillery, which is expected to be commissioned by the end of the year. We are exploring a multi-feedstock approach, which gives us resilience and flexibility. At the same time, we continue to debottleneck and expand our specialty product capacities.
Any global expansion plans on the anvil?
Our strategy is two-fold. Domestically, we're focussed on supporting India's ethanol blending programme. Globally, we see ethanol as a building block for bio-based specialty chemicals and intermediates. Markets in Europe and North America are very promising due to their favorable regulatory thrust for bio-based options.
We are also growing our presence in industries with high growth like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, fragrance, and coatings. In addition to ethanol, we are investing in microbial fermentation and regenerative agriculture. In the long term, our vision is to make Godavari Biofineries a consistent global supplier of sustainable and renewable inputs.
Ethanol manufacturing is expected to see strong growth as its use in petrol increases. How do you plan to grab this opportunity?
The demand for ethanol is accelerating, with India already achieving the 20 per cent blending target five years ahead of schedule, and the Government is now considering a higher percentage of blending. At Sameerwadi, we produced 84,038 KL of ethanol in FY25, despite temporary restrictions on the use of cane juice, which have since been restored.
• To capture future opportunities, we are: Expanding feedstock flexibility through a 200 KLPD maize/grain-based distillery, expected to be commissioned by the end of the year.This will ensure year-round operations and reduce climate and policy risks.
• Optimising capacity utilisation by maximising the use of cane juice, B-heavy molasses, and grains.
• Diversifying markets by producing ENA, which reduces dependence on any single segment.
Our strategy goes beyond fuel. Ethanol is also a feedstock for higher-value bio-based chemicals, ensuring that while we meet India's energy transition goals, we also build a strong global pipeline of green chemistry products.
How are you able to enhance the production of sugarcane molasses?
At Godavari Biorefineries, our approach is to maximise cane utilisation and improve yields at the farm level, since molasses availability is directly linked to cane crushing. In FY25, we achieved a record cane crush of 24.65 lakh tonne at Sameerwadi - among the highest single-factory crushes in India. This was particularly noteworthy because overall Indian sugarcane crush declined compared to the previous season, yet we increased throughput.
Our work with farmers through the K..J. Somaiya Institute of Applied Agricultural Research (KIAAR) focuses on regenerative farming, soil health, water efficiency, and intercropping practices. These initiatives help increase cane yield and sugar recovery, which in turn ensures higher and more consistent molasses generation for ethanol. Looking ahead, by diversifying into multi-feedstock ethanol (maize and grains), we are also de-risking seasonal variability in molasses supply while still strengthening our sugarcane value chain.
What are your sustainable measures in ethanol production?
Sustainability is embedded across our ethanol value chain. At Sameerwadi, every part of the sugarcane is utilised - juice and B-heavy molasses go into ethanol, bagasse generates renewable power, and press mud is converted into biogas or organic fertiliser.
This circular approach ensures minimal waste. In FY25, 84 per cent of our total energy consumption came from renewable sources, primarily bagasse and biogas, and we increased solar power usage over the previous year. Beyond operations, we work closely with farmers and institutions like KIAAR to promote regenerative agriculture that improves soil health, crop yield, and water-use efficiency strengthening the long-term sustainability of ethanol feedstock.
During the FY ending March 31, 2025, ethanol production was at 84,038 KL as compared to 95,168 KL. What is the reason behind this dip?
The reduction in ethanol production in FY25 was primarily due to temporary restrictions on the use of sugarcane juice for ethanol under the Government's Ethanol Blending Programme.
This was implemented in the previous season because of concerns around domestic sugar availability, which resulted in lower molasses stock for the FY ending March 31,2025.
However, following a good monsoon and improved cane crop outlook, the government restored the use of sugarcane juice for ethanol production in 2024-25. With this policy back in place, and with our upcoming 200 KLPD maize/grain-based distillery scheduled for commissioning by the end of the year, we expect ethanol production to increase and become more resilient through a multi-feedstock approach.
What will be Godavari Biorefineries' innovations for the agri sector?
Innovation has always been at the heart of Godavari. We have over 50 scientists in our R&D team who are working on bio-based products that can substitute fossil-based products and adding value to bio-based feedstocks. Our biofinery model is designed to extract maximum value from sugarcane. Beyond sugar and ethanol, we work with bagasse to generate power, develop natural waxes, produce compost, and even launch branded food products under the Jivana label.
We are also innovating in specialty chemicals used in different Industrial segments such as fragrance and beauty ingredients, natural skin-friendly emollients, green solvents, phthalate-free plasticizers, and safer mining frothers. These are all designed to be sustainable and value-added, creating benefits both for agriculture and for downstream industries.
What initiatives have you set in motion for the future?
Our bio-based chemicals segment continues to be a strategic pivot for growth and transition, while the making of ethanol remains another key driver. With our multi-feedstock capabilities, we are unlocking new avenues and contributing meaningfully to India's energy transition.
We are also growing our consumer facing brand Jivana while embedding sustainability at the core of our operations. With over 84 per cent of our energy sourced from renewables and a significant reduction in water use, our aim is to create long-term value by combining science, scale, and sustainability.
