India has redirected a record 5.2 million metric tons of rice to ethanol production, driven by record-high grain inventories and tighter corn supplies. The Food Corporation of India holds 59.5 million tons of grain as of June 1, more than four times the mandated buffer stock. Rice stocks have risen 15% year-on-year to a record high, while wheat inventories reached a five-year peak, according to Times of India and Agrospectrum India.com. Rice has emerged as the dominant feedstock in India’s grain-based distilleries due to constrained corn supplies and elevated corn prices, Agrospectrum India.com reported. The shift to rice for ethanol has reduced pressure on corn imports and stabilized domestic markets, Agrospectrum India.com said. Another bumper crop is expected from October, according to Agrospectrum India.com. India’s grain-based distilleries traditionally use corn, rice, and damaged food grains, Agrospectrum India.com noted. The government is using rice for ethanol to reduce stockpiles and support biofuel goals. India's grain reserves are high and may support food security and export flexibility during El Niño.