New Delhi — India’s transition toward a circular economy in agriculture is gaining momentum, with the country’s estimated 350 million tonnes of annual agricultural residues holding the potential to generate over 18,000 MW of power each year, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.
Beyond energy production, crop residues can also be converted into nutrient-rich organic fertilisers. These bio-inputs improve soil health, enhance microbial activity, and reduce dependence on synthetic chemical fertilisers, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Government Support and Infrastructure Push
Under the Crop Residue Management initiatives, the government has allocated Rs 3,926 crore between 2018–19 and 2025–26 to promote sustainable handling of farm waste. As part of this effort, more than 42,000 Custom Hiring Centres have been set up, and approximately 3.24 lakh farm machinery units have been deployed to facilitate in-situ and ex-situ residue management.
A key flagship programme, GOBARdhan (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan), has made notable progress. As of January 14, 2026, 979 biogas plants are operational across 51.4 percent of districts, converting cattle dung, crop residues, and food waste into clean biogas and organic manure.
Environmental and Economic Imperatives
Globally, nearly 1.3 billion tonnes of food produced annually for human consumption is wasted. Additionally, about one-third of biodegradable municipal solid waste originates from household kitchens. When such organic waste — including food scraps and agricultural residues — is poorly managed, it decomposes in landfills and emits methane and other greenhouse gases. This not only exacerbates climate change but also contributes to air and groundwater contamination, foul odours, and broader environmental degradation.
Against this backdrop, sustainable land use, efficient resource utilisation, and scientific waste management have become critical environmental and economic priorities.
Circular Economy as a Strategic Framework
The “waste-to-wealth” approach reframes waste as a recoverable economic asset rather than a liability. It promotes resource recovery, recycling, and reintegration across the production lifecycle. The circular economy model is increasingly recognised as a scalable strategy to enhance resource efficiency while reducing environmental footprints.
By expanding proven interventions, strengthening grassroots institutions, and aligning economic incentives with environmental objectives, circular agriculture can significantly bolster food security, climate resilience, and inclusive rural development — positioning agricultural residues as a vital component of sustainable growth.
With inputs from IANS