Consider the following statements : Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter. Statement II: Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
2. B. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
3. C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
4. D. Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Answer: D

Explanation

Statement I is incorrect. The United States is consistently the world’s largest producer of ethanol, significantly outproducing Brazil. For example, in 2024, the US produced approximately 16.1 billion gallons compared to Brazil’s 8.8 billion gallons. Statement II is correct. In the United States, corn is indeed the primary feedstock for ethanol production, accounting for the vast majority of its output. In contrast, Brazil predominantly uses sugarcane as its principal feedstock for ethanol production, leveraging its extensive sugarcane cultivation. Therefore, Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct. The global biofuel industry, including ethanol production and its feedstocks, is relevant for UPSC Environment & Ecology and Economy, especially in the context of energy security and climate change mitigation.