Stubble, a major source of pollution in the National Capital Region during October and November due to its widespread burning, has been transformed into an efficient energy resource and natural fertiliser in Uttar Pradesh, thanks to the Yogi Adityanath government’s proactive efforts.
This transformation not only addresses environmental concerns but also boosts the incomes of farmers, truly embodying the saying, “Aam ke aam, guthliyon ke bhi daam” (reaping dual benefits).
Through the use of CBG (compressed biogas) plants, stubble is converted into energy and high-quality compost, turning waste into wealth. By supplying stubble to these CBG plants, farmers are evolving from being mere food producers to becoming energy providers as well.
Once seen as a burden for both farmers and the environment after the harvest, stubble is now becoming a source of income and enhanced agricultural productivity in UP.
CBG plants convert stubble into fuel, purchasing it from farmers as the raw material for this process. As of last year, 10 CBG plants were operational in Uttar Pradesh, making the state the national leader in CBG production.
Compressed biogas (CBG) is currently being produced in 24 units across Uttar Pradesh, with 93 more units under construction. The state is set to have over 100 operational CBG plants shortly, as announced by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in March 2024.
Due to the increasing mechanisation of farming, a lack of available labour, and rising labour costs, crops are now predominantly harvested using combined harvesters. After harvesting the main Kharif and Rabi crops like paddy and wheat, farmers often burn the crop residue to prepare the fields for the next planting season.
This practice, particularly after the paddy harvest, causes severe environmental issues in some regions during October and November, as stubble burning leads to air pollution.
The Uttar Pradesh State Bio-Energy Policy 2022 has introduced various incentives for bio-CNG and CBG units utilising agricultural waste. The government aims to establish CBG plants in every district.
In line with this vision, Indian Oil inaugurated a CBG plant in Dhuriyapar, Gorakhpur, on March 8, 2023. Built at a cost of Rs 165 crore, the plant was inaugurated by Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
This CBG plant is a significant step towards environmental protection, boosting farmers’ incomes, and achieving energy self-sufficiency.
It processes 200 metric tonnes of straw, 20 metric tonnes of press mud, and 10 metric tonnes of cattle dung daily, producing 20 metric tonnes of biogas and 125 metric tonnes of organic manure, which will help increase agricultural yields.
This initiative allows farmers, traditionally food producers, to play a vital role in the energy sector while earning additional income. Furthermore, by reducing stubble burning, environmental protection is automatically achieved.
The Yogi government expects a substantial increase in bio coal and biodiesel production over the next five years, following the implementation of the Uttar Pradesh State Bio-Energy Policy in 2022.
Investors have shown strong interest, and 21 out of 26 proposed projects have already received in-principle approval. The government aims to bring 20 of these projects into operation by 2025, with a target to double bio coal and biodiesel production during this period.
