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India Pioneers Bio-Bitumen from Farm Waste, Saving Billions in Imports

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced India's pioneering commercial production of bio-bitumen from agricultural waste. This innovation aims to reduce the massive foreign exchange spent on crude oil imports and tackle the severe pollution caused by crop burning. The technology converts paddy straw and other biomass into valuable resources, supporting rural livelihoods and a circular economy. The initiative aligns with the government's vision for sustainable development and energy self-reliance.

Key Points: India Launches Bio-Bitumen from Agri-Waste, Cuts Import Bill

  • Cuts Rs 4,500 crore forex with 15% blend
  • Reduces stubble burning pollution
  • Empowers farmers and rural economy
  • First commercial bio-bitumen globally
2 min read

Agricultural waste can be converted into valuable national resource: Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announces world's first commercial bio-bitumen, turning crop residue into a resource to save forex and reduce pollution.

Agricultural waste can be converted into valuable national resource: Nitin Gadkari
"Today marks a historic milestone in India's road infrastructure, as the nation becomes the first in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen. - Nitin Gadkari"

New Delhi, Jan 7

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said that agricultural waste can be converted into a valuable national resource.

Speaking at the CSIR's 'Technology Transfer Ceremony' event here, he noted that bio-bitumen is a transformative step towards the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.

By utilising agro-waste, it reduces pollution caused by crop burning and strengthens the circular economy. With 15 per cent blending, India can save nearly Rs 4,500 crore in foreign exchange and substantially reduce its dependence on imported crude oil.

"Today marks a historic milestone in India's road infrastructure, as the nation becomes the first in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen," said Gadkari, congratulating CSIR and its dedicated scientists, and thanked Union MoS Jitendra Singh for his constant support in achieving this pioneering breakthrough.

Gadkari further stated that this innovation will empower farmers, generate rural livelihoods, and boost the rural economy.

Bio-bitumen, he said, truly reflects the PM Narendra Modi government's commitment to sustainable development, self-reliance, and environmentally responsible growth, paving the way for a cleaner and greener future.

He pointed to successful trials of bio-bitumen made from rice straw, which has shown better performance than petroleum-based bitumen and helps reduce stubble burning.

The time has come to turn agricultural waste, crop residue, bamboo and biomass into green fuel and value-added products.

At an event last year, Gadkari highlighted the urgent need to cut India's Rs 22 lakh crore fossil fuel import bill and reduce pollution caused by burning crop waste and vehicle emissions. "India must shift from being an energy importer to becoming an energy exporter, which he believes is achievable through sustainable bioenergy initiatives," he mentioned.

Meanwhile, the 7.3 million tonnes of paddy straw, which is currently being burnt by farmers, can be converted into compressed biogas and bioethanol which could save Rs 1,600 crore forex on energy imports and cut pollution as well, according to a statement issued by the Indian Biogas Association (IBA) recently. This policy is likely to attract investments of Rs 37,500 crore and facilitate the setting up of 750 CBG projects in the country by 2028-29, it added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in Delhi during the smog season, any solution to crop burning is welcome. Saving Rs 4500 crore is a huge bonus. The government needs to ensure the supply chain from farm to factory is efficient.
R
Rohit P
Good step, but execution is key. We have heard many such announcements before. Farmers need immediate cash for their waste, not promises. Who will collect the straw from small farms? The logistics need to be crystal clear.
P
Priya S
This is the kind of innovative, sustainable thinking we need. Empowering farmers, creating jobs, saving foreign exchange, and cleaning the air - it's a win-win-win-win! Kudos to CSIR scientists. 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
Impressive ambition to become an energy exporter. The scale of the potential investment (Rs 37,500 crore) is massive. If this works, it could be a global model for agricultural nations.
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Nisha Z
My father is a farmer in Punjab. He burns straw because he has no affordable alternative before the next sowing season. If the government can provide a reliable buyer at his doorstep for this 'waste', he will happily sell it. The policy must be farmer-first.

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