According to projections made by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, this agri waste has the potential to generate more than 18,000 MW of electricity annually in addition to producing green fertiliser for agricultural use. When looking at just one crop, potatoes, Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) found that the global annual waste is over 12 MMT, with 2 MMT coming from India. The Government of India launched its flagship "Swachh Bharat Mission" in 2014, and in response, the ICAR issued a clarion appeal for serious work on agricultural waste and its conversion into products that are valuable for humans, animals, and farm land.
Commenting on this move, Suhas Baxi, Co-founder & CEO, BiofuelCircle said, “In an agrarian country like India, every year, there is a minimum of 235 MMT of surplus agri-residue available in the farms. This is equivalent to 125 MMT of coal or 600 million barrels of crude oil, which is nearly 25 per cent of India’s oil imports. 100 per cent utilisation of this surplus crop residue can potentially lead to providing 17 per cent of a country's energy needs, creating additional sources of income for farmers and creation of jobs in rural and industrial sectors. The biomass opportunity in our country is big enough to potentially power a $40 billion economy. However, more than 70 per cent gets burnt or wasted due to a combination of reasons.”
To make the most of this chance, a comprehensive farm-to-fuel ecosystem should be set up. In light of the precarious nature of the link between rural and industrial areas, this would necessitate massive efforts to organise and empower all participants in the biomass supply chain.
Govt backing
This story is from the February 2023 edition of AgroSpectrum.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2023 edition of AgroSpectrum.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
"Arunachal holds tremendous scope for agro-food processing industries, especially in horticulture"
Arunachal Pradesh has an agriculture based economy where more than 70 per cent population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. As the state is endowed with enormous natural resources and suitable agro-climatic zones, the sector therefore, continues to be central to all strategies for the state's planned socio-economic development. Gabriel D Wangsu, Minister, Agriculture and Allied Sectors, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, at the recently-held 15th Agrovision 2024, spoke with AgroSpectrum on the various initiatives to boost rapid growth of agriculture sector of the state, aimed at achieving self-reliance, household food security and forging equity in income wealth distribution to rapidly reduce poverty. Edited experts;
How Biological Solutions are leading the way in Asia Pacific.
The global agriculture sector is about to enter a new era. The increase in water crises, soil degradation, and pesticide pollution is alarming.
Unlocking full potential Agri-warehousing industry to contribute to agricultural growth
India's agricultural value chain relies heavily on agri-warehousing to bridge the gap between yearround distribution and seasonal crop supply. Through the use of sustainable practices, innovation, and investment encouragement, the agri-warehousing sector may realise its full potential and make a substantial contribution to India's agricultural growth narrative.
Fruit export industry to witness unparalleled expansion with customer-focused mindset
With its extensive fruit production base and improvements in quality control, India is in a strong position to increase its market share internationally. Through the adoption of these trends and the utilisation of its innate advantages, the Indian fruit export industry might potentially achieve unparalleled expansion and make a substantial contribution to the global food chain. 2025 will see a dynamic fruit export business characterised by innovation, sustainability, and a customer-focused mindset.
The blooming Floriculture business
The floriculture market is growing due to a number of causes, including the development of organised retail and e-commerce platforms nationwide, the increase in government programmes and regulations promoting floriculture, and the ongoing improvements in agricultural methods and technology. In 2024-2032, the Indian floriculture industry is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4 per cent, up from Rs 26,210 crore in 2023, according to IMARC Group.
Agritech driving a resilient and thriving agricultural future
India's agriculture, which is the backbone of the entire economy, is undergoing a major change, which includes the use of advanced technologies.
Agritech poised to redefine agriculture in India
Despite the enormous potential of the agritech industry, issues like lack of knowledge, fragmented land ownership, and digital literacy still exist. But thanks to initiatives and rising smartphone adoption, startups are getting beyond these obstacles to spur innovation and growth. By 2025, Indian agritech companies will have resolved current agricultural problems and established a standard for the global agritech industry.
Building a resilient Edible Oil Seed ecosystem with long-term strategic goals.
India is a major producer of oilseeds, but its average yield is much lower than the global standard. In order to meet its domestic demand, India imports edible oil at a cost of around $16 billion a year. The industry can achieve sustainable growth and adjust to a constantly shifting global environment with careful planning and focused execution.
High protein to drive Poultry sector growth
Urbanisation, increased wages, and consumer preferences for high-protein diets are all predicted to contribute to the 9 per cent growth in the Indian poultry industry in 2025. A rapidly growing sector of the Indian agricultural economy, the poultry industry provides the nation with affordable, high-quality protein.
Innovative production techniques to boost Fisheries productivity
The Indian economy depends heavily on the fishing industry.
