Vidisha, Jan 17 (NationPress) Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari reiterated India's dedication to transforming agricultural waste into a valuable asset. He announced that the nation is progressing towards the production of bitumen derived from farm residues such as sugarcane bagasse.

At an event in Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha district, where he inaugurated several national highway projects exceeding Rs 4,400 crore, Gadkari underscored the changing role of farmers as not merely food providers but also as energy and material suppliers.

The Union Minister pointed out recent advancements, declaring that India has become the first country globally to produce bio-bitumen commercially—an environmentally friendly substitute for petroleum-based bitumen—thanks to innovations like pyrolysis technology developed by CSIR labs.

Locally, bitumen is referred to as “Damar.” This announcement follows a significant technology transfer event that took place in New Delhi on January 7, 2026, where agreements were established with various companies to enhance production.

“Fifteen companies have obtained patents from me to manufacture bitumen from agricultural waste such as cotton straw, bagasse, wheat straw, and other farm debris,” Gadkari said, linking this initiative to broader sustainability objectives.

He emphasized that farmers should be recognized as “energy providers,” mentioning initiatives like ethanol blending (now fueling vehicles across the country), potential hydrogen production from crops, and electricity generation from farm waste in areas like Vidisha. “Our farmers are energy providers, fuel suppliers,” he stated, highlighting how these efforts will reduce import reliance, lower carbon emissions, and generate new income sources for rural communities.

The bio-bitumen initiative aims to meet a portion of India’s substantial bitumen demand—primarily fulfilled through imported crude—utilizing plentiful agricultural by-products such as sugarcane bagasse, rice straw, and crop stubble.

Experts predict billions in foreign exchange savings, decreased stubble burning (a significant pollution contributor in northern India), and emissions reductions of up to 70% compared to traditional bitumen.

Pilot projects and trials have shown comparable performance in road binding, with environmental protections such as diminished pollution and waste management. This aligns with India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, integrating agriculture, industry, and green infrastructure.

Gadkari commended ongoing initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging a broader adoption of bio-materials in road construction amidst record infrastructure investment. This announcement builds on CSIR's technology, “From Farm Residue to Road: Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis,” which has seen industry participation and successful testing.

As India accelerates towards becoming a global economic powerhouse, these innovations place farmers at the forefront of sustainable development, converting waste into valuable resources for roads and energy.