To counter stubble burning, Punjab govt pushes green fuel initiative

Amid growing demand for green fuel, the ex-situ management of paddy straw is gaining traction as a key solution to stubble burning in Punjab. The state has been setting up pelletisation plants that convert paddy straw into biofuel for industrial use. Currently, 16 such plants are operational, with 21 more expected by November 2024.

This initiative is part of a larger strategy to repurpose paddy straw, which was previously considered waste, into a valuable resource for energy production. The Central Pollution Control Board has allocated Rs 50 crore in subsidies to support the establishment of these pelletisation units, of which Rs 12.37 crore has already been availed by the industry.

With the paddy harvesting season approaching, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has intensified its efforts to manage crop residue. The focus is on ex-situ management, which involves transporting paddy straw for industrial applications such as boilers and power plants, rather than burning it in fields. The PPCB projects that up to 7 lakh metric tonnes of straw will be used for pellet production this year, contributing to the growing infrastructure in the green fuel industry.

In 2023, around 11.08 lakh metric tonnes of paddy straw was utilised in industrial boilers, particularly for steam generation and electricity production. Chief Environmental Engineer Dr Krunesh Garg highlighted that this shift has opened new business opportunities for farmers, who are now earning from the collection, storage, and supply of paddy straw to energy units.

This year, an estimated 19.52 million metric tonnes (MMT) of paddy residue will be generated in Punjab. The government aims to manage 12.70 MMT through in-situ methods, which involve enriching the soil by incorporating the straw back into it. For ex-situ management, the state aims to nearly double last year’s figure, targeting 7 MMT of paddy straw for industrial use.

The PPCB is also working with 36 new industries to install boilers that can consume an additional 11.28 lakh MT of paddy straw. Incentives, including fiscal benefits and exemptions on taxes and land leases, are being offered to industries to encourage the use of paddy straw as a fuel source.