NEW DELHI: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari dropped a bombshell at a recent sustainability summit, declaring agricultural waste – long seen as a burning nuisance – could transform into India’s next big resource powerhouse.
‘Our fields produce mountains of crop residue every year, much of which goes up in smoke, choking our cities with toxic smog,’ Gadkari said emphatically. ‘But imagine converting that into biofuel, biogas, electricity, and even construction materials. It’s not a dream; it’s happening right now.’
India generates over 500 million tonnes of agri-waste annually, with stubble burning alone contributing to 40% of Delhi’s winter pollution. Gadkari highlighted successful pilots where rice straw powers rural power plants and sugarcane bagasse fuels eco-friendly factories.
The minister unveiled ambitious plans under the National Bioenergy Programme, aiming to set up 5,000 compressed biogas (CBG) plants by 2025. ‘Each plant will process 200 tonnes of waste daily, creating jobs for lakhs and cutting import bills on fossil fuels by thousands of crores,’ he projected.
Gadkari didn’t stop at words. He showcased partnerships with private firms already turning paddy stubble into ethanol and cardboard. ‘Farmers get paid for waste they once burned for free. It’s a win-win revolution,’ he added.
Challenges remain: high setup costs, farmer awareness, and supply chain logistics. Yet, Gadkari remains bullish. ‘With policy push and tech innovation, agri-waste will no longer be refuse but India’s renewable goldmine.’
As climate goals loom, this shift could redefine rural economies and clean India’s air, proving trash today is treasure tomorrow.