India's Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry is tying farmer income to a verifiable carbon economy, according to the 2nd India SAF Conclave. Feedstock opportunities could add US$160-300 per hectare to farmer earnings, with sugarcane ethanol and used cooking oil as key sources. The government targets a 5% SAF blend for international flights by 2030, but meeting that depends on new HEFA and ATJ plants coming online by 2028-2030. Certification is central to the plan. India already has four ISCC-CORSIA certified co-processing facilities, but the carbon economy needs traceability from farm gate to flight deck. The S&P Global report stresses verification and certification to earn international trust. Without steady feedstock supply and long-term offtake commitments, blending mandates alone won't build a viable industry. The next few years will show whether the 2027 and 2028 milestones set the foundation for the 2030 target.
