AGRICULTURAL CROP-RESIDUE WASTE CONVERTED INTO ELECTRICITY IN INDIA

The importance of adopting a “waste-to-wealth” approach lies in reusing waste as a valuable resource rather than an economic burden and environmental issue. India’s agricultural residues have the potential to generate over 18,000 MW of power annually. Biogas plants are a progressive step taken by the Government of India to curb crop burning to prevent pollution. In India, as agriculture plays a pivotal role in ensuring food and nutritional security, it also generates significant waste during cultivation, harvesting, and processing. Agricultural waste is generated throughout the journey from farm to food plate. Inadequate management of agricultural waste has become a substantial source of environmental contamination affecting air, soil, and water. Agricultural waste management in India presents both significant challenges and opportunities. Traditional practices, particularly crop residue burning, although ingrained, are often unsustainable and environmentally damaging. Residue burning leads to the depletion of soil nutrients, degradation of soil health, and the emission of greenhouse gases. The implementation of advanced waste valorization methods, like thermochemical and biochemical processes, can transform agricultural waste into valuable products, contributing to the circular economy and sustainable development. Various agricultural wastes are generated in large amounts with different compositions, which plays an important role in selecting suitable velarization methods. Addressing the technical, financial, social, cultural, and institutional barriers is crucial for the successful implementation of sustainable waste management. Effective policy implementation is crucial for promoting sustainable agricultural waste management practices in India.