Given below are the names of four energy crops. Which one of them can be cultivated for ethanol?

Correct Option (b):

Maize is a carbohydrate-rich crop widely utilized as a primary feedstock for ethanol production globally. Ethanol is produced from the fermentation of starch present in maize kernels. In India, maize contributes to bioethanol blending in fuels, supporting national energy policies aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Incorrect Options:

• Jatropha is primarily cultivated for its oil-rich seeds, which are processed to produce biodiesel, not ethanol.
• Pongamia (Karanja) is an oilseed crop used for biodiesel production, not ethanol.
• Sunflower is cultivated for edible oil and has potential for biodiesel production due to its oil content. It is not a carbohydrate-based feedstock for ethanol.