Theme: Agriculture | Biomass bank program empowers farmers and reduces stubble burning in rural India

In this episode of the State of the Economy podcast, businessline’s Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Suhas Baxi, Co-founder & CEO, BiofuelCircle, about the critical role that biomass plays in India's energy transition and the challenges in harnessing bioenergy resources.  The podcast also touches on the larger context of biofuels in India, including the government’s initiatives to blend ethanol with petrol and the use of biomass in power generation. Suhas is optimistic about the future, emphasizing the country’s potential as a global leader in biofuels and bio-based materials, as well as its strong policy framework and investments in technology.  The discussion also covers the government’s initiatives, such as ethanol blending and biomass co-firing with coal, and how these efforts are contributing to India’s biofuel growth. The introduction of compressed bio-gas projects and sustainable aviation fuel are additional avenues Baxi highlights for biomass utilisation.  Baxi also explains how Biofuel Circle's "biomass bank" program is working to provide farmers with financial benefits for supplying agricultural waste, turning them into active participants in the biomass ecosystem. The program not only helps reduce stubble burning but also empowers rural communities by creating additional income streams for local tractor drivers and small businesses.  Baxi believes that biomass has the potential to not only contribute to biofuel production but also revolutionise other industries through innovative applications like biochar and bioplastics.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu Producers : Amitha Rajkumar ) About the State of the Economy podcast India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem set to fire on all cylinders.