Archive · 23 Nov 2025
India's Paddy Straw: A Potential Goldmine for Renewable Energy and Bioeconomy
India can turn its paddy straw waste into a valuable resource.
By using it to make renewable gas and bioethanol, we can save money and protect the environment.
Instead of burning straw, we can use it to make things like polymers and carbon.
This can also help reduce pollution and create jobs.
Cities like Delhi are already planting trees to protect against pollution and heat.
7.3 million tonnes of paddy straw can produce renewable energy worth ₹270 crore per year
Paddy straw can also be used for bioethanol production, achieving import substitutions worth ₹1,600 crore
The remaining lignin fraction can yield high-value products like polymers, activated carbon, Graphene, and resins
Diverting paddy straw to biogas plants can attract investments of ₹37,500 crore and facilitate 750 CBG projects by 2028-29
Burning paddy straw releases significant pollutants into the atmosphere, causing environmental harm
- Who
- Indian Biogas Association (IBA)
- What
- Promoted the use of paddy straw for renewable energy and bioeconomy
- When
- Sunday, November 23, 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To reduce pollution, achieve import substitutions, and build energy security
Environmentalists
Farmers
Waste management
Environmentalists
Paddy straw should be used for renewable energy and bioeconomy to reduce waste and pollution
Farmers
Farmers may prefer to burn straw for convenience and lack of alternative uses
- Total paddy straw available
- 7.3 million tonnes
- Potential renewable energy value
- ₹270 crore per year
- Potential bioethanol import substitutions
- ₹1,600 crore
- Estimated investments for CBG projects
- ₹37,500 crore
- Expected CBG projects by 2028-29
- 750