Come March, Jaitu biomass plant in Punjab to generate power from paddy stubble - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Come March, Jaitu biomass plant in Punjab to generate power from paddy stubble

Hindustan Times | ByGagandeep Jassowal, Faridkot
Oct 29, 2018 01:03 PM IST

The power generated using straw as fuel will be sold to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) for which an agreement has been signed.

A private plant is all set to generate power from paddy stubble from March next year in Faridkot’s Jaitu.

A farmer bringing bales of paddy straw for sale at the plant site on Bajakhana-Jaitu road.(HT Photo)
A farmer bringing bales of paddy straw for sale at the plant site on Bajakhana-Jaitu road.(HT Photo)

The 18 megawatt plant, being set up under the Union government’s “Make in India” scheme, will generate electricity by using straw as fuel. The power thus generated will be sold to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) for which an agreement has been signed.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The plant authorities have already purchased 15,000 tonnes of paddy stubble from farmers at 3,000 to 3,500 per acre. A Ferozepur-based firm, Sukhbir Agro Energy Limited, has started construction of the plant on the Bajakhana-Jaitu road in Faridkot district.

Project manager Karamjit Singh said they have tied-up with baling machine owners who sell paddy stubble after converting it into bales. They will be paid on weekly basis, he said, adding: “We have set a target to purchase 1 lakh tonnes of straw this season and will double the purchase next year once the plant is functional. He said farmers from Faridkot, Muktsar and Bathinda are coming forward to sell stubble.

Baling machine owner Gurdit Singh of Muktsar said he has sold 700 tonnes of straw to the firm. A farmer, Baldev Singh, said the cost to convert 100 kg of paddy straw into bales is between 50 and 60. “And we get 120 per quintal for straw bales. This is a win-win situation for us,” he said.

Faridkot additional deputy commissioner (general) Gurjit Singh said in September, the administration organised awareness programmes against stubble burning. Farmers were more than eager to sell stubble for a good price, he added.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On