Chandigarh, October 11: Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal, today announced the "Haryana Ex-Situ Management of Paddy Straw Policy 2023" today, aiming to harness paddy straw for sustainable energy and eliminate crop residue burning by 2027.
Following the Cabinet Meeting, Mr. Manohar Lal said that this policy marks a significant stride in promoting efficient paddy straw utilization while discouraging harmful residue burning. Aligned with the government's commitment to harness energy from paddy straw and reduce its environmental impact, this comprehensive policy establishes an end-to-end ecosystem for paddy straw use.
Mr. Manohar Lal highlighted Haryana's surplus of approximately 30 lakh tons of paddy straw annually, with the potential to generate electricity, biogas, bio-CNG, bio-manure, biofuels, and ethanol. Ensuring a consistent and affordable paddy straw supply is essential for project sustainability.
The policy provides a framework for attracting private investment in paddy straw-based projects, encouraging farmers to engage in responsible practices, and establishing a robust linkage between farmers and industries, he added.
The policy also offers a variety of incentives to promote the utilization of paddy straw in various applications including:
Projects using paddy straw as a primary feed material qualify for incentives under the Haryana Bio-energy Policy, 2018, and its amendments. This includes biomass-based power projects, compressed biogas plants, ethanol production, and other bio-fuel initiatives that utilize 100% paddy straw as a major feed material.
Farmers and relevant organizations are eligible for subsidies on agriculture implements and machinery used for the cutting, collection, baling, storage, and transportation of paddy straw to straw-based industries and plants.
Industries using paddy straw as a feed material will receive interest subsidies on term loans, akin to subsidies available for renewable energy projects.
An online linkage between farmers, industries, gaushalas, dairies, and end-users will be established, enabling efficient management of paddy crop residue demand and supply. District-wise mapping of paddy straw demand will be coordinated with the New and Renewable Energy Department, Haryana.
The Department of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises will provide financial incentives to MSMEs for adopting biofuels, benefitting businesses like brick kilns, paper industries, cardboards, and others using paddy straw.
Paddy straw-based projects may qualify for incentives under the Central Sector Scheme, part of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, subject to eligibility.
Co-firing of Biomass in Thermal Power Plants:
All thermal power plants within the State will ensure biomass co-firing in compliance with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, and the Government of Haryana.
The biomass used for pellets in thermal power plants within Haryana will be sourced from local farmers through the online mechanism established by the Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Department.
Awareness and Educational Campaigns:
Awareness and educational campaigns will also be organized by relevant stakeholder departments under this policy to educate farmers on the economic utilization of paddy straw and its associated harmful effects.
The Chief Minister said that the policy will be implemented by the New and Renewable Energy Department, Haryana in collaboration with other relevant departments such as Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Industries and Commerce, Environment, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
He said the implementation of this policy is expected to have a significant positive impact on the environment and the economy of Haryana. By reducing crop residue burning, the policy will help to improve air quality and soil health. Additionally, the policy will create new jobs and opportunities in the paddy straw sector.