Experts emphasise that corn is emerging as a “cornerstone of the bioeconomy” with applications ranging from ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel to bioplastics and green hydrogen

Agriculture and clean energy came together at the 5th International Climate Summit (ICS 2025), where industry leaders, policymakers and researchers stressed that India’s path to sustainability lies in linking farming innovation with green fuels.

The summit highlighted how corn, biofuels and green hydrogen could play a transformative role in building a climate-resilient economy was Organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in Delhi. The event brought together global voices from industry, academia and policy to explore how agricultural resources can drive India’s low-carbon growth.

Experts noted that corn is emerging as a “cornerstone of the bioeconomy” with applications ranging from ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel to bioplastics and green hydrogen. “India is witnessing a corn revolution which will lead to food security, energy security and decarbonisation,” said Dr. J.P. Gupta, Chair, Environment and Climate Change Committee, PHDCCI. He added that ethanol is becoming a preferred pathway not just for energy but also for chemical production.

Global perspectives from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) echoed this vision. Wagner Albuquerque de Almeida, Global Director, IFC, said bio-economy transitions are not just about climate action but also about “job creation, prosperity and community empowerment.” Dr. Sadesh Sookraj, Global Decarbonization Advisor, IFC, underlined corn’s role in enabling a circular economy—from water positivity to bio-fertilizer generation—helping cut both emissions and fertilizer imports.

Adding further, Femi Akinrebiyo, Global Manager for Circular and Agriculture Economy at IFC, described corn as a “cornerstone for a new industrial revolution,” with potential to drive rural transformation, green jobs and global competitiveness.

On the research side, H.S. Jat, Director, Indian Institute of Maize Research, highlighted the climate risks to agriculture, noting that a one-degree rise in temperature could reduce wheat and rice yields while raising irrigation demand. He projected maize production could cross 100 million tonnes by 2047 if supported by research and policy interventions.

Industry leaders also emphasised the role of advanced fuels. Becky Thomas of the Bansi Dhar Institute called green hydrogen “a game-changer” for India’s decarbonisation goals, with potential to power transport, industries and even clean cooking. Representatives from AM Green and Indian Oil Corporation added that India’s E20 ethanol blending target has been met, but scaling up to higher blends will depend on corn and second-generation ethanol technologies.

Voices from rural India reinforced the ground realities. Educationist Raja Ram Pangavhane Patil from Maharashtra called corn the “future crop” for his state, stressing its potential to boost rural incomes while supporting the clean energy transition.

The summit featured plenary and technical sessions on biofuels, corn supply chains, sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen, bioplastics, and financing green growth. Supported by multiple ministries and global partners, the discussions underscored that India’s green journey will require agriculture, technology and industry to work in tandem.