In India, various crop residues are used for making biomass pellets
In India, various crop residues are used for making biomass pellets. These residues are abundant and represent a potential source of renewable energy. The choice of crop residue for biomass pellet production depends on factors such as regional availability, crop patterns, and the characteristics of the residues. Here are some of the major Indian crop residues used for making biomass pellets:
1. Rice Straw:
• Rice straw is a significant agricultural residue in India. It is often used for biomass pellet production due to its abundance after rice harvesting.
2. Wheat Straw:
• Wheat straw is another common residue in India and is often utilized for pellet production. It is generated after wheat harvesting.
3. Bagasse:
• Bagasse is the fibrous residue remaining after sugarcane is crushed to extract juice. It is widely used for biomass pellet production in regions with sugarcane cultivation.
4. Maize (Corn) Stalks:
• Maize stalks, left after corn harvesting, can be used as a biomass feedstock for pellet production.
5. Cotton Stalks:
• Cotton stalks, a by-product of the cotton industry, are used for biomass pellet production in regions where cotton is grown.
6. Groundnut (Peanut) Shells:
• Groundnut shells, a by-product of the groundnut industry, can be utilized as biomass feedstock for pelletization.
7. Soybean Stalks:
• Soybean stalks, generated after soybean harvesting, can be used for biomass pellet production.
8. Mustard Stalks:
• Mustard stalks, a residue from mustard cultivation, can serve as a feedstock for biomass pellets.
9. Sorghum Stalks:
• Stalks from sorghum crops can be used for biomass pellet production.
10. Barley Straw:
• Barley straw, after barley harvesting, can be considered as a potential feedstock for biomass pellets.
11. Sunflower Stalks:
• Stalks from sunflower crops can be utilized for biomass pellet production.
12. Rapeseed (Canola) Residues:
• Residues from rapeseed cultivation, including stalks, can be used as a biomass feedstock.
13. Paddy Husk:
• Paddy husk, the outer layer of rice grains, is a by-product of rice milling. It is used for pellet production and has high silica content.
14. Sugarcane Leaves:
• Sugarcane leaves, along with bagasse, are sometimes considered for pellet production.
15. Millet Residues:
• Residues from millet crops can be considered for biomass pellet production.
These crop residues are often collected from agricultural fields after the primary crop harvest. Biomass pelletization of these residues not only provides a renewable energy source but also helps in the efficient management of agricultural waste, reducing environmental impacts. The utilization of crop residues for biomass pellets aligns with sustainable practices and contributes to India’s efforts to promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.