BiofuelCircle turning farm waste into rural wealth | Fusion - WeRIndia

India’s farms generate massive amounts of crop residue every year. Sadly, much of this stubble is burned or discarded.

Usually, removing residue demands extra labour and money. Therefore, farmers see it as a burden, not an opportunity. However, this waste can also create income.

Pune-based startup BiofuelCircle is changing this mindset. Founded in June 2020 by Suhas Baxi and Ashwin Save, it builds value from farm waste.

BiofuelCircle operates as an online marketplace. It connects farmers with industrial buyers of biomass, biofuels, biogas, and biofertilisers.

The idea emerged from a simple insight. Renewable energy demand is rising every day. Meanwhile, bioenergy raw material exists in abundance.

According to research, India burns over 200 million tonnes of biowaste annually. If utilised, this could meet 17% of national energy needs.

So, why is this potential wasted? Collection and transport costs make biomass trade unviable. Neither farmers nor industries benefit under traditional systems.

To solve this, BiofuelCircle promotes collectivism. Farmers form Farmer Producer Organisations, or FPOs. These groups can grow into rural bioprocessing enterprises.

First, farmers collect residue using tractors. Then, FPO transport networks move it to a central location. Next, briquette plants compress the waste.

Once converted, loose biomass becomes briquettes. As a result, its value doubles. Transport also becomes easier and cheaper.

Importantly, BiofuelCircle supports farmers financially and technically. It partners with NGOs, government schemes, and financial institutions. Thus, entry barriers are reduced.

The company’s digital platform links rural briquette plants with credible industrial buyers. Therefore, farmers gain steady market access.

On average, a farmer with two acres can earn ₹10,000-₹15,000 extra annually. This income supports basic family needs.

Additionally, BiofuelCircle optimises logistics. Trucks deliver biomass to industries and return with biofertilisers. Hence, empty trips are reduced.

The company also uses moving-floor trucks. These unload 30 tonnes in five minutes. Manual unloading would take six hours.

Currently, BiofuelCircle works with over 1,500 farmers across a dozen FPOs. Since 2021, it has traded more than 25,000 MT of biomass.

Today, operations span Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. Expansion to more states is planned soon.

Ultimately, BiofuelCircle benefits everyone. Farmers earn more, stubble burning drops, industries grow, and India gains cleaner energy security.

Image Credit: Biofuelcircle Website Screenshot

Image Reference: https://www.biofuelcircle.com/