Plans to set up 42 BIO-CNG Plants from Paddy Straw in Punjab in the first phase. The pilot projects will be operational in the paddy harvesting season of 2018
Every 2500 tons of paddy straw handling will create 20 jobs. 30 million tons of paddy straw produced in Punjab and Haryana will generate 3.5 lakh jobs directly and another 3 lakh indirect jobs will be created
INVC NEWS
Chandigarh,
Finally, a welcome way out of the pollution mess that the capital has found itself in. Punjab based Sampurn Agri Venturesbreaks new ground by introducing an innovation for sustainable agriculture and livelihood through paddy straw management in India. With emphasis on national food security and soil health, this wholly indigenous technology will double the farmer’s income, rejuvenate rural economy and save foreign exchange by reducing import of fossil fuels.
Asia’s first biogas-based power plant in Fazilka, Punjab approved and recommended by IIT-Delhi and PAU (Punjab Agriculture University), operates on paddy straw for large-scale biogas production. The system is based on 100% use of paddy straw and generates nearly 4,000 cubic metres per day of biogas from 10 tonnes of straw. This in turn generates 1MW power. So, along with the effective management of paddy straw the facility also produces bio-fertiliser and sustainable energy.
Sanjeev Nagpal, Managing Director, Sampurn Agri Ventures Pvt. Ltd. says, ““Paddy straw is an asset not a liability and we need to prevent its burning. There is an immediate need to manage paddy straw in a way that not only prevents burning but creates an environment that sustains our agriculture. Paddy straw if used for production of biogas will produce manure instead of ash and help enrich soil. This will further reduce cost of cultivation, reduced requirement of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides.
The Biofuel so produced will replace fossil fuel to further reduce pollution. It is important to manage paddy straw and prevent burning in any form. Whether this is being used as fuel for power or for producing carbon rich fuel for other uses, improving soil health is essential to sustain agriculture.”
The company has plans to set up 42 projects in the first phase covering every district. Each project will employ 30 people and majority of the job will be created for collection and paddy straw management over the 30 working people. The total investment plan for Punjab is 3000 crores, including infrastructure for CNG distribution. This will be completed in next three years. Each project will process 70 tonne paddy straw per day.
Every 2500 tons of paddy straw handling will create 20 jobs. 30 million tons of paddy straw produced in Punjab and Haryana will generate 3.5 lakh jobs directly and another 3 lakh indirect jobs will be created. Further large number of MSME industry will benefit the manufacturing equipment used in these projects.
