Punjab Agro Residues & Biomass – Availability, Supply Chain, Prices

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Key Questions Answered in this Section

• What are the major crops contributing to biomass feedstock production in Punjab?
• Which regions in Punjab are known for cultivation of prominent crops?
• Which types of biomass residues are generated in Punjab?
• What are the biomass clusters in Punjab?
• How is the biomass supply chain in Punjab?
• How much wheat straw is generated in Punjab?
• How much rice straw is generated in Punjab?

Punjab comprises a mix of urban and rural regions, with the top urban areas being Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, Bathinda, Mohali, Moga, Batala, Pathankot, and Firozpur. Understanding the biomass supply chain in Punjab is crucial for optimizing the utilization of agri residues and enhancing the state’s bioenergy potential.

Major Crops Grown in Punjab

The crops associated with biomass feedstock generation in Punjab include:

The cultivation of these crops results in substantial biomass feedstock, contributing significantly to Punjab’s bioeconomy.

Residue Generation in Punjab

For each crop, the total residue generation data is as follows:

Efficient management of these crop residues is essential for developing a sustainable biomass supply chain in Punjab.

Significant Regions of Availability in Punjab

The regions within Punjab with significant availability of each crop’s biomass residues are:

• Wheat: Patiala, Ludhiana, Moga, Sangrur
• Rice: Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur

Identifying these biomass clusters enables targeted strategies for biomass feedstock collection and utilization. Each region’s unique crop profile contributes to the diversity of agricultural residues, impacting the overall biomass availability in Punjab.

Utilization of Crop Residues at the Farmer’s Level in Punjab

• Essential Usage for Livestock
  Residues from Rice and Wheat are commonly used as cattle feed.
• Fuel Usage for Domestic Purposes
  Parts of Paddy and Wheat residues are utilized as fuel for household cooking.
• Field Preparation through Residue Burning
  Farmers often burn crop residues in open fields due to the lack of nearby residue processing plants and the urgency to prepare for the next crop.
• Commercial Applications
  Crop residues are sold to briquetting or biomass plants, providing farmers with an additional source of income.