Generating energy from crop residue (parali) can Boost Farmers’ Income: Padma Bhushan Dr. J. B. Joshi
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, 15 December 2025: People across North India, especially in Delhi and its surrounding regions, are suffering due to rising air pollution. Highlighting a sustainable solution to this serious problem, renowned scientist and chemical expert Padma Bhushan Dr. J. B. Joshi emphasized the need to generate energy from crop residue (parali). He was speaking at a programme organised by the Progressive Chambers of Commerce in Mumbai.
Dr. Joshi stated that India generates nearly 600 million tonnes of crop residue every year. If this biomass is converted into coal and gas using modern technology, the country can significantly reduce its dependence on imported coal and oil. This initiative would not only help in controlling pollution but could also increase farmers’ income by up to Rs5 lakh per year.
Speaking at the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ conference organised in Mumbai on the occasion of Energy Conservation Day, Dr. Joshi said that the time has come to move from complaints to solutions. Energy is the backbone of national development, and along with conventional coal-based energy, India must focus on alternative and renewable energy sources. He also shared details of an ongoing project in Sindhudurg, Konkan, where energy is being generated from cashew waste. Dr. Joshi stressed that only indigenous technology can take the country forward in a sustainable manner.
Prof. Ajay Kapoor, Head of Somaiya University, said that along with investment in technology, efforts must be made to simplify daily life for citizens to truly achieve the status of a developed nation. He emphasized that equal importance must be given to energy conservation along with the adoption of new energy sources.
The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. A. K. Nayak, who noted that to make India a truly developed nation, the country would require forty times more energy than at present, and this energy must be environmentally sustainable.
During the event, the book “Food Security by Radiation – The Unreasoned Fear for Irradiated Food” was released. Authored jointly by Dr. Arun K. Nayak, Dr. Satendra Gautam, Dr. Ravindra Bansal, and Dr. Samyak Munot, the book aims to dispel myths and fears surrounding food irradiation and highlight its role in ensuring food security.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Padma Bhushan Prof. J. B. Joshi, Dr. Sudip Gupta, Prof. Ajay Kapoor, Ranjay Sharan, Umesh Rustagi, Dr. A. K. Nayak, along with PCC Chairman Ram Shukla and Secretary Shailesh Tiwari. Umesh Rustagi, Director of Nehru Science Centre, said the conclave serves as a vital platform connecting science, industry and society, and helps transform energy conservation into a mass movement.
On the occasion, Achievers Awards were presented for outstanding contributions across sectors. Ranjay Sharan was honoured for his contribution to the nuclear energy industry; Dr. Sudip Gupta, Director of Tata Memorial Centre, for healthcare; Dr. Rajendra Singh, Chairman of the Jhunjhunwala Group, for education; and Sandeep Sonwalker for his contribution to the media, all of whom received the Progressive Leadership Award. Trupti Singh, Aishwarya Yadav and Ayushman Shrivastava received the Progressive Achiever Award. Master Aryaman Amrit was conferred the Progressive Young Achiever Award for his exceptional talent and achievements at a young age in the field of films and entertainment. Amritesh Shrivastava and former Marine Commando Kundan Singh Majgaine were also felicitated as special guests.
