On cassava fields in the Central region or Southeast region, the story of farmers is still as simple as in previous years: Looking at the sky, looking at the land and looking at the price. But this year, in that story, there is a new hope for a more stable output for cassava, when E10 bio-gasoline is promoted to be deployed, when ethanol factories gradually "light up" again.
For farmers, what is needed is not only a bumper crop with good prices but also sustainable output. When cassava is planned into a raw material area for ethanol, they reduce the worry of "bumper crop but price drop", have stable purchase contracts to feel secure in production.
However, the bottleneck lies in supply and demand: The demand for ethanol is large, but the domestic supply only meets about 25-27%. The paradox is the shortage of raw materials, while many biofuel plants are still "covered in tarpaulins".
This is no longer just a business story, but a policy problem. The State's policy is very clear: Accelerate the roadmap for using biofuel, towards E10; and at the same time review and remove obstacles to restore biofuel projects. The overarching spirit is not to waste the invested resources.
In fact, trillions of dong have been poured into ethanol plants, but at times many projects have had to stop operating, falling into a "sleeping winter" situation. Machinery covered in dust, land left vacant, labor loses jobs - that is a waste not only of material resources but also a development opportunity. We have wasted the opportunity to build a domestic biofuel industry, the opportunity to create stable output for agricultural products, jobs for workers and the opportunity to reduce dependence on energy imports.
In recent days, under the drastic direction of the Government, ministries, branches, and localities, some biofuel plants have resumed operation. If financial bottlenecks and mechanisms are soon removed, the "rebirth" of these plants will create a double boost, with many benefits.
First is the economic benefit. A stable ethanol market will lead to the planning of raw material growing areas, thereby increasing the value of cassava, creating stable income for farmers. No longer fragmented production, no longer dependence on crude exports.
Next is the environmental benefit. Biofuel helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to improving air quality. In the context of increasingly clear emission reduction commitments, this is an unstoppable path.
And more importantly, strategic benefits. The world is facing unpredictable geopolitical fluctuations, where energy becomes a tool for competition. An economy dependent on imported fossil fuels will always be passive. Conversely, developing biofuels from domestic raw materials is the way to increase economic resilience.
If delayed, we will not only miss the opportunity for green transition, but also continue to prolong existing waste. And if action is taken quickly enough, the revival of ethanol plants will not only help "solve the E10 problem", but also open up a new pillar for sustainable growth.
