Uttar Pradesh turns crop residue into revenue as 78 new biogas plants planned

Crops & Farming Practices

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is stepping up efforts to convert agricultural residue into an economic resource, with plans to establish 78 additional compressed biogas (CBG) plants alongside 40 facilities already operational across the state. The initiative aims to provide farmers with an alternative to stubble burning by creating a structured supply chain that channels crop residue into renewable energy production. Under the initiative, crop residue collected from farmers' fields is transported to biogas plants, where it is processed into compressed biogas. The organic material left after processing is subsequently made available to farmers as manure, helping improve soil health and reduce dependence on conventional waste-disposal methods. The programme is also creating opportunities for employment in crop residue collection, transportation, processing and plant operations, while addressing the recurring challenge of managing agricultural waste after harvesting. The initiative is gaining traction in districts such as Barabanki, where farmers have traditionally faced difficulties in clearing agricultural residue between cropping seasons. For many farmers, stubble management involves additional expenses and delays in preparing fields for the next crop. Burning residue has often been used as a quick disposal method, despite its adverse impact on air quality and soil health. The new system provides an organised...