‘Agro-Waste Is a National Resource’: Gadkari
India becomes world’s first nation to commercially produce bio-bitumen from agricultural waste.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Jan: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said that agricultural waste can be converted into a valuable national resource, asserting that bio-bitumen marks a transformative leap in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Addressing CSIR’s Technology Transfer Ceremony titled “From Farm Residue to Road: Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis”, Gadkari said India has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first country in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen. He congratulated CSIR scientists for the breakthrough and thanked Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh for his continued support.
Highlighting its economic and environmental benefits, Gadkari said that blending 15 per cent bio-bitumen in road construction can help India save nearly ₹4,500 crore in foreign exchange annually by reducing dependence on imported crude oil. He noted that the innovation will also help curb pollution caused by crop residue burning while strengthening the circular economy.
The Minister said the technology will empower farmers by creating new income streams, generate rural employment and boost the rural economy. He added that bio-bitumen reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable development, self-reliance and environmentally responsible growth, paving the way for a cleaner and greener future.
