The paddy-growing regions of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan grapple with deteriorating air quality during crop procurement season, as farmers resort to burning stubble to clear their lands.
A renewable energy company has now launched a large-scale initiative that converts agricultural waste into electricity, solving the problem of seasonal smog while generating support for rural livelihoods.
SAEL Industries Ltd (SAEL) announced that it is expecting to procure 20 lakh tonnes of paddy waste in the current harvesting season, and convert it into clean electricity through its fuel aggregator.
Laxit Awla, CEO and Executive Director, SAEL Industries, said, “Crop residue represents an underutilised opportunity, environmentally, socially, and economically. By converting agricultural waste into clean energy, we’re not only making an attempt at creating new income avenues for farmers but also attempting to tackle the issue of stubble burning.”
Also Read: Biogas association wants electricity subsidy for CBG plants
This scale of paddy-waste procurement drive addresses the pressing concern of stubble burning and agri waste management, while reducing pollution at the source, the company said.
SAEL has a portfolio of 11 WTE plants across Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, totalling 165 MW (including one under-construction project in Rajasthan).
As per the Indian Journal of Agronomy, India produces about 500 million tonnes of crop residue annually, out of which 140 million tonnes remain un-utilised, and 92 million tonnes are burnt in open air, causing serious air pollution and health issues to people in the northern states of India.
“This initiative helps preserve soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease dependence on fossil fuel imports while contributing to a more resilient and sustainable energy grid,” said Awla.
Follow us
