NEW DELHI: The government on Thursday brought in state-owned firms to begin finding a solution to the stubble burning issue and the consequent exacerbation of air pollution in the national capital.
The power ministry has instructed state-run power utility major NTPC to float a tender for the procurement of stubble for use in thermal power units, while also directing the firm to mix crop residue of up to 10 per cent in the fuel mix, along with coal.
Union Minister of State for Power R K Singh told reporters that the NTPC's tender will offer procurement of farm stubble at Rs 5,500 per tonne.
"We are talking to generators. We find that 10 per cent of straw pellets, stubble or briquettes can be mixed with coal. NTPC is going to come out with a tender with the average price being Rs 5,500 per tonne and we are writing to states and to enforce this for all thermal plants. We are creating a market for straw and stubble," Singh said.
Concerns on the ill effects of stubble burning has steadily risen as the National Capital Region and its surroundings choke under severe smog.
According to experts, this move will provide a viable alternative to farmers who currently burn their stubble in states like Haryana and Punjab. The move could lead to farmers realising an estimated Rs 11,000 per acre of stubble.
"The scheme would reduce stubble burning in states. States have said that asking farmers to spend the money to collect the hay and stubble is not possible. Therefore, we have to create a market where farmers could sell it," Singh said, adding that infrastructure for sourcing the crop residue from farmers is being set up.
Government's future plans
The government is also moving to build up straw pellet-making infrastructure through state-owned Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, which will provide loans to firms interested in manufacturing machines and equipment to make pellets and straws