In a bold call to action, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari envisions a greener India where agricultural leftovers become valuable assets, driving energy independence and economic growth.
Speaking at an industry conclave, Gadkari painted a vivid picture: ‘We discard 140 million tonnes of crop residue yearly, mostly burned, harming health and environment. Time to flip the script – make it our fuel for the future.’
He detailed the scale: Wheat straw, rice husk, cotton stalks – all ripe for bioconversion. Gadkari pointed to Maharashtra’s model where bagasse-based power plants light up villages, and Punjab’s ethanol units slash oil imports.
Government incentives are pouring in. The Rs 10,000 crore scheme promotes machinery for in-situ waste management and bio-CNG production. ‘By 2030, we target 15% of transport fuel from agri-waste,’ Gadkari announced.
Success stories abound. A Bihar cooperative now sells biogas from paddy waste, earning farmers Rs 500 per tonne. UP’s compressed briquettes from mustard stalks power small industries.
Gadkari stressed technology transfer: ‘Japanese super-machines shred stubble in hours; we’ll localize them.’ He urged states to fast-track land for plants and subsidies for machinery.
This isn’t just environment talk. It’s jobs – over 10 lakh direct – and reduced logistics costs as waste-to-energy hubs sprout near farms. Gadkari’s message: Agri-waste isn’t liability; it’s India’s untapped superpower.