Key Questions Answered in this Section
- What are the major crops contributing to biomass feedstock production in Himachal Pradesh?
- Which regions in Himachal Pradesh are known for cultivation of prominent crops?
- Which types of biomass residues are generated in Himachal Pradesh?
- What are the biomass clusters in Himachal Pradesh?
- How is the biomass supply chain in Himachal Pradesh?
- How much maize cob and husk is generated in Himachal Pradesh?
- How much rice straw is generated in Himachal Pradesh?
- How much rice husk is generated in Himachal Pradesh?
Himachal Pradesh comprises a mix of urban and rural regions, with the top urban areas being Shimla, Dharamshala, Solan, Mandi, Palampur, Baddi, Nahan, Paonta Sahib, Sundarnagar, and Chamba. Understanding the biomass supply chain in Himachal Pradesh is crucial for optimizing the utilization of agri residues and enhancing the region’s bioenergy potential.
Major Crops Grown
| Crop | Production (Million Tons Per Annum) |
| Maize | 0.7 |
| Rice | 0.13 |
The cultivation of these crops results in substantial biomass feedstock, contributing significantly to Himachal Pradesh’s bioeconomy.
Residue Generation
| Crop | Residue Parts | Production (Million Tons) |
| Maize | Cob, husk | 0.21 |
| Rice | Straw, husk | 0.22 |
Efficient management of these crop residues is essential for developing a sustainable biomass supply chain in Himachal Pradesh.
Significant Regions of Availability
- Maize: Mandi, Kangra, Hamirpur, Chamba, Bilaspur, Kullu, Solan, and Sirmour.
- Rice: Kangra, Mandi, Una, Sirmour, and Chamba
Identifying these biomass clusters enables targeted strategies for biomass feedstock collection and utilization.
Prominent Crops in Different Regions of Himachal Pradesh
Each region’s unique crop profile contributes to the diversity of agricultural residues, impacting the overall biomass availability in Himachal Pradesh.
| Region | Prominent Crops |
| Mandi | Maize, Rice |
| Kangra | Maize, Rice |
| Hamirpur | Maize |
| Chamba | Maize, Rice |
| Bilaspur | Maize |
| Kullu | Maize |
| Solan | Maize |
| Sirmour | Maize, Rice |
| Una | Rice |
Utilization of Crop Residues at the Farmer’s Level in Himachal Pradesh
- Essential Usage for Livestock and Fertilizer
- Residues from Maize and Wheat are extensively used for cattle feeding.
- Residues of Apples, Apricots, Barley, Kiwi, Oilseeds, Onion, Peach, Plum, Pomegranate, and Pulses are primarily used for compost fertilizer.
- Specific Usage in Storage and Cultivation
- Portions of Barley, Maize, Wheat, and Paddy residues are stored for use during the winter season.
- Residues of Paddy and Wheat are utilized for mushroom cultivation.
- Fuel Usage for Domestic Needs
- Residues of Apple, Paddy, and Cotton are commonly used as fuel for household cooking.
- Field Preparation through Residue Burning
- Stubbles of Cotton, Paddy, and Wheat are burned in open fields to prepare the land for the next crop cycle.
- Commercial Applications
Farmers generate additional income by selling crop residues to briquetting or biomass plants, creating economic value from agricultural waste.
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