The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) is working together with the Government of Punjab to create alternatives to paddy stubble usage. This includes establishing biomass power plants and producing Bio CNG from paddy stubble biomass.
About The Punjab Energy Development Agency
PEDA was established in September 1991 as a state nodal agency responsible for promoting and developing renewable energy programs and conservation efforts in Punjab. It operates as a society under the Societies Act of 1860.
Biomass Power Plants and Bio CNG Projects
PEDA has launched 11 biomass power plants, producing 97.50 mega watts (MW) of power. These plants consume 8.80 lakh metric tonnes of paddy stubble annually. In addition, eight Bio CNG projects are currently underway, requiring around 3-lakh metric tonnes of paddy stubble each year. The largest of these projects, located in Lehragaga tehsil in Sangrur district, is expected to be operational by March 2021.
The Bioethanol Project
A Bioethanol project is being developed at Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda, which will use 2 lakh metric tonnes of paddy stubble per year. Bioethanol can be mixed with diesel and petrol to fuel vehicles.
The Benefits of PEDA’s Projects
Once all projects are underway, Punjab will use 1.5 million tonnes (7% of the total) of paddy stubble. This will increase farmers’ income if they sell their paddy stubble rather than burning it. Environmentally, this reduces pollution, preserves soil fertility, and fosters entrepreneurship, especially among educated youth in rural Punjab.
Limitations and Issues with Paddy Stubble
Currently, the quantity of stubble used in these projects is small compared to its production. Punjab needs more industries to utilize paddy stubble. Paddy stubble, amounting to 20 million tonnes annually, is often disposed of by burning which harms environment.
Alternatives for Paddy Stubble Utilisation
Alternatives for utilizing paddy stubble include torrefaction, fertilizer preparation, and mechanized management. These methods involve converting biomass into coal-like substances, creating high-grade organic fertilizers, and managing stubble mechanically.
Government Initiatives
The government has introduced initiatives to promote the use of agricultural machinery for in-situ crop residue management. The SATAT scheme, launched by the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, aims to reduce agricultural waste-burning pollution and utilise waste. The Punjab government has also provided farmers with 74,000 subsidised machines for stubble management.
The Way Forward
Future efforts should focus on supporting youth-led start-ups for stubble utilisation, including loan sanctions and market provision. Joint effort from the state, central government, and both public and private industries will help convert Punjab’s stubble into farmers’ income. Expansion of schemes like the MGNREGA could solve both unemployment and stubble-burning problems by providing employment for harvesting and composting.
