Research Projects

The Ministry of New Renewable Energy estimates that around 501.73 million tonnes of crop residues are generated annually, with 29.32 MT from Rajasthan. Burning these residues contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter levels, smog, biodiversity loss, and soil health deterioration. Poor fertility, low carbon content, low microbial activity in soil, and alternate use of farm waste are major problems in Rajasthan's main croplands. Soils in Rajasthan are low in nutrient content and organic matter content, with productivity declining for most crops. Parthenium, other weed biomass, and tree pruning waste are affecting crop productivity. Biochar, a valuable product, can be recycled into biochar, which is used to remediate salt-affected environments. Agricultural waste management in arid and semi-arid conditions is a challenge, but the current commercial biochar price is too high. Low-cost techniques for producing biochar are needed, and locally various farm waste will be utilized for this purpose. The application of biochar in the soil enhances soil organic carbon through atmospheric carbon sequestration, indirectly responding to farmers' need for a change mechanism that reduces fertilizer demand and biomass consumption in household cooking. The project is expected to cost Rs. 32.85 lakhs and will be completed within three years. A study on the production of biochar from different agricultural waste in Pali and Sirohi district of Rajasthan, India, is planned to explore the problems and opportunities of agricultural waste.