11ASSESSMENT OF SURPLUS CROP RESIDUE BIOMASS ENERGY SECTOR: INDIA
Gopal Sonkar
Research Scholar, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
Email: gopal.sonkar@gmail.com

How to cite this paper:
Sonkar,Gopal(2022)
Assessment of Surplus Crop
Residue Biomass Energy
Sector: India, Journal of
Global Resources, Vol. 08
(02)
DOI:

10.46587/JGR.2022.v08i02.011

Received: 30 March 2022
Reviewed: 25 April 2022
Revised: 05 May 2022
Final Accepted: 15 June 2022

Abstract: This paper deals with three issues related to surplus
residues biomass energy: 1. the concept of surplus crop
residues biomass energy, 2. institutional setup for residues
biomass energy policy & planning, and 3. Its achievement at thenational level. The choice of surplus crop residues biomassenergy is dependent on the institutional framework that shaped
its existence in the renewable energy sector. The current study isshaped by various alternative learning-based approaches usedby academics and practitioners in the field of renewable energy.
The approaches show similarities with Clean Development
Management (CDM) goals and reflect the alternative andsustainable development context within which they were framed
toward ecological-based energy capacity building. The
institutional framework can encourage surplus crop residual
biomass energy, and it is one of the few alternative energy
resources in which individuals appear eager to invest. However,the surplus crop residues biomass energy initiative is slowly
spreading across the country, wait and watch if the surplus crop
residues biomass energy approach can prove its merits.
Key words: Residues-Energy, Energy Policy and Planning,
Gasification, Biomass cogeneration

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Introduction
Why is surplus residues biomass energy an important contribution to renewable energy? There is a
growing demand for energy across the nations of the world. The development of any region
depends on energy availability. However, the non-renewable energy resources are depleting fast,
making it imperative to understand and develop renewable energy sources from the ecologicalsystem. Biomass has the potential to be an alternate energy source as fossil fuels, although to be
used carefully with the preservation of land and water resources simultaneously (Datye, 1997). It
is essential because many countries' energy agencies consider agricultural residues a potential
renewable energy resource.
There are many biomasses renewable energy sources, and agriculture residue is one ofthem. The term 'biomass' covers the remaining solid part from all (biological) plant and animal
matter on the Earth's surface. Wood has been the popular biomass fuel used. However, theimportance of agricultural crop residue is clearly understood and is fast replacing theuse of wood.
Any energy resources such as heat and electricity generated from these remaining agriculturalresidues are called 'Residues-Energy', particularly for the Biomass Power plant. There are wide
varieties of agricultural residues biomass. Residues-Energy is one of the most promising
renewable energy sources globally due to its geographical availability and ability to generate heatand power on various scales. (MNRE, 2010; Datye, 1997). The International Energy Agency
aggressively pursues all developed and developing nations to use alternative and renewableenergy resources under the 'Bioenergy Task 29 project'. Indian government initiated a project touse residues biomass energy with international collaboration with the Governments of Austria,
Canada, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom and the Republic of Croatia of Europe
titled "New and Renewable Energy Resources". The "Economic Drivers in Implementing
Bioenergy Projects" spanned three years (2003-05). Another project, "Residues Aspects ofEnergy", was initiated to identify substantiated net regional gains and benefits in the use ofresidues energy so that it may be promoted in areas where the gains can be maximised mostwidely handled (MNRE, 2008; Administrative Staff Colleges of Hyderabad, 2005).
The Expert Committee on Integrated Energy Policy set up by the Planning Commission
examined that India has one of the world's lowest per capita energy consumption rates. On theother side, decreasing the energy intensity1 in GDP to increase energy efficiency is critical for India
to satisfy its energy requirements. Rural energy demand is also included, which can be achieved
through crop residue usage (Planning Commission, 2006). Developing uses of residues in an
organised manner can also spin off substantial socio-economic benefits because residues
sources are naturally produced in a decentralised pattern (rural areas). The residues are theprimary energy source for rural people in general and poor people in particular. Additionally, it
provides a source of income for landless agricultural labourers anda supplement to revenue forsmall and marginal subsistence farmers (Administrative Staff Colleges of Hyderabad, 2005).
Given this dispersed nature, it is essential to research and evaluate residues' use and production's
exact nature and status.
Study Region
The primary survey was conducted in Patna and Rohtas districts. Geographically, both the districts fallunder the Northern and Southern parts of the Son Watershed region of Bihar State. It is noteworthy
that many districts of Bihar, other than Patna and Rohtas, are also part of the Son River Watershed.
These two districts were selected due to two reasons. First, both have flat alluvial lands and fertile soil.
Secondly, both are known for their agricultural activity. The climate here is subEnergy intensity measures a country's economic efficiency in terms of energy use. It is expressed in terms of energy units
per unit of GDP.

1

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Tropical, like the northern plains. The area receives monsoonal rainfall up to 150 centimetres during
peak season. Agriculture is the primary activity of people in both districts. Here, crops such as
Paddy, Wheat, Gram and Pulses are cultivated extensively. In addition, food grains, vegetables,and
fruits are also cultivated in the Watershed Command Region. Five villages in the Patna district
were chosen for the study: Anandpur, Lodipur, Darweshpur-Uparwar, Sadikpur and Katesar.
Administratively, these villages are divided into two blocks: 1. Maner Block includes the villages ofLodipur, Sadikpur, and Darweshpur-Uparwar; and 2. Bihta Block, which includes the villages ofAnandpur and Katesar. Five villages in the Rohtas district were chosen for the survey. Mahadewa,
Pokharaha Jamalpura, Chainpur, Berkap, and Hurka are among them. These villages areadministratively divided into two blocks: 1. Dehri Block, which encompasses Chainpur, Berkap,
and Hurka. 2. Nasriganj Block encompasses Mahadewa and Pokharaha Jamalpur villages.
Figure 01: Map of Survey Area

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Objective
1. Defining the surplus crop residues biomass concept.
2. Exploring the Institutional Setting for residues biomass energy policy and planning.
3. Assessing the surplus residues biomass energy production pattern.
Research Methodology and Sources
The first step in the study has to define surplus crop residues for energy purposes through the helpof the primary survey. Quantitative and qualitative methods were introduced during primary andsecondary data collection. After that study process through the secondary data for a broad
overview of discourses and content analysis about the institutional setup for policy& planning and
its achievement at the national levels.
Primary Data
A primary survey was carried out to verify the existence of surplus crop residues. The method of
defining surplus crop residues adopted from the MNRE study "25 Years of Renewable Energy inIndia, 2008". The Son watershed in Bihar's Patna and Rohtas districts was the field area from2012 to 2013 that looked at 200 households primarily engaged in agricultural farmland activities.
A questionnaire was prepared, and respondents were selected with a random sampling method
for an interview concerning residue utilisation. Gathering data on theuse of agricultural residues invarious stakeholders and their corresponding quantities. The categories were classified according
to utilisation patterns that appeared during the survey, such as feed for cattle, a hut for keeping
and storing domestic animals, use for domestic fuel, being used as a small-scale industry fuelsource, raw materials for paper production, a lack of productive use disposal is a concern, used
as a source of energy in the brick making industry, use in the cottage and food industry and last
burned in the fields. (See table no. 1). The category of a lack of productive use disposal is aconcern, and burned in the fields have been defined as surplus crop residues biomass amountaccording to MNRE's norms, because it is not disturbing share of traditional uses so that it canbecome a resource for power/energy use.
Secondary Data
The only Ministry of New and Renewable Energy provides secondary data on institutional setup
for policy & planning purposes and its achievement in the country, so the present study utilised
these data for full fill their objectives.
Result and Discussion
There are many common uses of agricultural residues. However, the category of a lack of
productive use disposal is a concern and burned in the fields defined as surplus crop residues
biomass, so it becomes a source of power/energy production resources without interfering withtraditional uses. The administrative structure is the most important issue in developing the crop
residues sector. The entire structure created three levels. The MNRE has implemented inclusive
programmes to develop and utilise various agricultural residues biomass power technologies in
the country. As a result, technological devices have been developed, such as biomass
gasification, bagasse cogeneration and biomass cogeneration. As an outcome, the total amountof biomass energy generated in 2018 was 4502 MW.
Defining Surplus Crop Residue Biomass
Surplus means what remains after a portion of something has been removed, but in the case of
surplus crop residues biomass, this does not apply. The study uses the following table to define
surplus crop residue biomass. The data in this table was gathered from surveyed villages between
2012 and 2013. The analyses have included all major areas where crop residues have a traditional
utilisation pattern. There are many common uses of residues, but, the category of a lack of
productive use disposal is a concern and burned in the fields defined as surplus crop residues
biomass amount, it becomes a source of power/energy production because it does not interfere withtraditional uses
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Table 01: Bihar's Ten Villages in Patna and Rohtas Districts Share Different Shareholders'
Crop Residue Biomass: 2012 and 2013. (in Quintal)

Typical uses ofResidues(Quintals)
Feed for cattle
A hut for keeping andstoring domestic
animals
Use for domestic- fuelBeing used as a smallscale industry fuelsourceRaw materials forpaper production
A lack of productive
use disposal is aconcern
Used as a sourceof energy in the
Brick making industry
Use in the cottage andfood industry
Burned in the fields
Total

Rice
(Straw)

Rice(Husk)

Wheat(Straw)

Gram(Straw)

Arhar(Straw)

Arhar(Husk)

Maise(Straw)

Total

201.0039.00

2230.00

110.000.00

12.35.00

0.00

2592.35132.00120.00

0.00

45.00

50.00

0.00

0.00

347.00203.0021.00

430.00

10.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

664.00105.00120.00260.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

485.00230.000.00

234.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

464.000.00

300.000.00

234.00320.00

0.00

68.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

622.001465.00

606.00

32.00

0.00

28.00

0.00

0.00

2131.00

500.004475.00

69.53
1295.53890.004076.00

0.00
533

0.00

0.00
78.00

0.00

90.00

1795.00

1405.00

0.00
12.35

0.00
90.00

1459.5310559.88

Institutional Background for Surplus Crop Residue Biomass Energy
MNRE is the nodal institution for implementing various renewable energy programmes, and thesurplus agricultural residues biomass program is one of them. The Ministry supervises one of theworld's most extensive agricultural residues biomass energy programmes, covering the full rangeof renewable energy technologies, including grid-connected and off-grid systems. (MNRE, 200607). MNRE has developed a substantial industrial base in innovation, allowing it to export
technology and knowledge to other nations (Reddy & Balachandra, 2002). Biomass energy
promotion is a key component of the country's strategy for sustainable energy growth.
India has a concise history related to developing residues biomass energy. The
Commission for Additional Sources of Energy (CASE) was founded in 1981 to research andpromote alternative energy sources. The sector has evolved through numerous phases of growthsince its beginnings. In 1982, the Department of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (DNES) was
founded; in 1992, it was renamed the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES).
CASE has been absorbed into MNES. CASE's primary objective was to foster the country's
expansion and promotion of new renewable energy sources (NRSE) by formulating policies andprogrammes. Moreover, it served as the program's coordinator and had an important role inintensifying research and development activities to ensure the effective implementation of therelevant government policies. CASE bridges the gap between research and production bypromoting the acquisition of both financial and technical resources
necessary for the rapid
commercialisation of NRSE technologies. Furthermore, it was required to survey, plan, approve,and implement programmes in the public, private, and small-scale sectors to produce allnecessary materials and components for commercialising the area's technical know-how. CASE
was also tasked with recommending promotional measures to encourage industry adoption of
NRSE technologies to the government. The Planning Commission directs all national policies andefforts at the planning level and approves all central government and state government
programmes. A distinct division within the Planning Commission is responsible for managing andcoordinating all NRSE proposals and projects submitted by the central and state governments(MNRE, 2002-03; MNRE, 2003-04; MNRE, 2004-05; MNRE, 2005-06).
On the financing front, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) wasestablished in 1987 to alleviate the burden of renewable energy technologies' high initial costs andperceived high financing risk. IREDA was a public sector enterprise tasked with financing
renewable energy projects. IREDA provided low-interest loans for such projects. As a result,
REDA's interest rates are competitive with market rates (MNRE, 2008). Following this,the MNES
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developed broad policy guidelines for promoting agricultural biomass energy generation in 1993.
This included guidelines and a framework for biomass energy pricing (Rathore, Mathur,& Solanki,1993). Numerous policies and initiatives were implemented in 1993 to promote thecommercialisation of biomass energy (MNRE, 2008). In October 2006, the Ministry of NonConventional Energy Sources had renamed the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The
Ministry then began to support implementing an extensive, broad-spectrum programme that would
cover an array of new and renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, bio, hydro, and wasteenergy. The MNRE determined that it was necessary to establish three levels of authorities/
institutions to carry out its functions. (MNRE: Government of India, 2015): These functions are
divided into the following categories:
Central level: The central government has the authority to take whatever steps necessary todevelop and deploy agro biomass energy/power, that is MNRE.
1. Initiate, monitor, and review the implementation of a national biomass power policy andplan.
2. Plan and implement nation wide programmes to increase the use of biomass fuels forelectricity generation.
3. Establish laboratories, testing centres, and research institutes to research and develop
biomass power technologies.
4. Manage and keep track of the funds earmarked for developing renewable energy
sources, such as the biomass power fund.
5. Standards and norms for resource assessment (of various biomass power resources),
technologies, and products should be developed and coordinated.
6. By providing adequate funds for coordination, meetings and research; access to MNRE
data and resources; and salaries for permanent staff, the policies aim to support thebiomass power committee and any other body or agency established under theprovisions of the policies.
7. State-level renewable energy policies and state-level biomass power plans should be
developed following guidelines issued by the central government and supported by thestate governments.
State Level: Biomass energy policy and plan at the state level.
1. The state government is responsible for periodically developing, monitoring, andimplementing a state-level biomass power policy and plan.
2. 2) While making this decision, the state government must consider the current national
biomass energy policy and plan and any relevant guidelines issued by the state
government.
3. The state governments could also establish a green state fund for biomass power.
4. State-level biomass power policies and plans were developed according to the current
status. The state government must consult the designated state nodal agency.
Districts to Village Level: There are a variety of topics on which the state government candevelop policies or plans through their district's office to block-level officers, including village
panchayat.
1. Establishing biomass power goals
2. Incremental cost-sharing
3. Facilitating the deployment framework
4. Biomass power park development
5. Building a system for transporting power
6. State green funds should be established and utilised
7. Data management for biomass power
8. Resources evaluation
9. An inclusive approach to land use for biomass power plant development
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Surplus Crop Residue Biomass Energy Achievements
The MNRE has undertaken comprehensive programmes to promote the development and useof diverse biomass energy technologies. As a result, several technologies such as biomass
gasification, biomass cogeneration, and bagasse cogeneration have been developed.
Although bagasse cogeneration has been running since 1950, its quantity was very small.
After energy reforms in 1990, biomass gasification and biomass cogeneration emerged
as potentially important sectors for long-term development. The surplus generated
electricity has been supplied to the main grid. However, the cogeneration path has been
chiefly followed for rural and small industrial purposes. Crop residues biomass power havethree branches presented following table with their achievement:
Table 02: Biomass Power Plant Development Bases of Production and Cumulative
Installed Capacity/ MWYear

Biomass power in MW

Bagasse cogeneration in MW

1950--40.00
1960--65.00
1970--103.00
1980--113.00
1990
50.00
152.002000
70.00
250.002001
80.00
278.002002
103.00365.002003
130.00483.002004
115.00612 .00
2005
376.53491.002006
466.50571.83
2007
605.80719.83
2008
702.62605.602009
1048.20703.302010
980.00829.502011
795.001272.002012
1142.60
1952.532013
1263.00
2300.002014
1365.00
2648.40
2015
1365.202800.352016
1502.402554.002017
1540.10
2666.7020181603.30
2689.20
Sources: Compile from Different MNRE Reports

Biomass gasification in MW eq.

--------------36.00
45.00
42.80
53.00
58.00
62.00
71.00
75.85
86.53
110.20242.90109.62128.00148.26156.89164.70171.63178.52190.42210.32The table summarises the development and achievement of surplus residues biomassenergy. In the year 2018 total biomass power capacity was 4502 MW. The technology ispopular amongst users as it is convenient for the rice and sugar industries. From1990 to 2000
growth took a remarkable turn after an initial period. From 2000 to 2010, growth was rapid.
There are many reasons, but the development of new technology and government subsidy
played a major part. From 2010 to 2018, the growth rate and increased power generation
capacity were maintained. Implementing biomass technology has been supervised centrally
by MNRE, but actual dissemination has devolved by state governments.
Conclusion
The study verifies the surplus crop residues biomass for energy utilisation following MNRE,
and It becomes a source of energy production that does not obstruct conventional uses.

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Biomass has the potential to be used in place of fossil fuels. The institutional framework forpolicy and planning has recognised biomass residues as energy resources. As a result, three
institutional levels were established: central, state, and district to the village. MNRES' policy
shift toward hierarchical organisation and institutional support has yielded a positive outcome.
According to the MNRE, India has a comprehensive strategy for harnessing energy fromsurplus crop residues biomass. The planning and policy strategy has now integrated various
biomass energy options on a megawatt scale into the grid. Nearly 4502 MW biomass power
capacity has been commissioned since 2018.
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