In Hapur district, Uttar Pradesh, farmers are selling their stubble and sugarcane leaves for biomass briquettes at prices ranging from two to three rupees per kilogram. This initiative helps farmers avoid the practice of burning these materials in their fields, which not only protects the environment but also spares them from potential legal actions related to stubble burning, a practice monitored via satellite. Experts also suggest that this method mitigates adverse effects on soil health.
Vaibhav Garg, the director of the biomass briquette production factory, discussed the ongoing challenges of stubble burning with ANI. He stated, “Our main goal is to contribute to a pollution-free India. The issue of stubble burning is particularly severe in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Rather than allowing farmers to burn their stubble, we purchase it from them, pay them fairly, and then transform it into biomass briquettes. These briquettes are utilized by both private and public sectors.”
The factory provides thousands of tons of biomass to the Delhi NCR region and has even shipped some to Himachal Pradesh. Garg emphasized the need for increased awareness among farmers to encourage them to supply more stubble, which would enhance production and benefit the environment. “I supply to various locations, including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Bahraich, and I have also sent materials to Himachal Pradesh,” he added.
Mukesh Garg, the factory manager, also addressed the stubble and sugarcane leaf burning issue. He noted, “We established this plant in 2011 to tackle this challenge. We crush the sugarcane leaves and stubble to create biomass briquettes, which serve as fuel for the boiler industry, all without causing pollution. We purchase stubble for two rupees per kilogram and sugarcane leaves for three rupees per kilogram. While we have informed the administration about this problem, we have not yet received any support.”
Farmers often face legal repercussions for burning stubble and sugarcane leaves, but now they have an alternative that allows them to profit from selling these materials instead. This initiative aims to reduce pollution while offering a sustainable solution for both farmers and the environment.
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