Valorization of Agricultural Wastes: A Circular Economy Approach

Author: Mansi Bahman, Pardeep Kumar, N.K. Sankhyan and Mohit Kashyap

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Abstract

Agriculture intensification is yielding large amount of waste, including crop residues, animal manure and agro-industrial byproducts making circular economy a crucial approach, especially for developing and urbanized societies. Unlike the conventional linear economy, which accelerates resource depletion and environmental degradation, the circular economy emphasizes sustainability by promoting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and recycling. Agricultural waste valorization is a pivotal strategy in advancing circular economy principles, transforming waste streams into valuable resources while mitigating negative environmental impacts. This article explores innovative valorization techniques, their environmental and economic benefits. Emphasizing a circular economy perspective, highlighted how optimizing agricultural waste management can drive sustainable development, closing the loop between production and waste while ensuring food security and environmental conservation

Keywords

Valorization, circular economy, waste management, fermentation, bio-fuels

Conclusion

India generates a vast amount of agricultural waste, but its improper disposal poses numerous environmental risks. Thus, a paradigm shift in the traditional model of waste management is required. Adoption of circular economy provides a sustainable solution to waste management through innovative techniques such as valorization, which provides viable ways to transform agricultural waste. Valorization of waste represents a transformative approach addressing global sustainability challenges by converting agricultural and industrial waste into valuable resources. Various valorization techniques (Physico-chemical, thermo-chemical and biological) when operated under optimum conditions yield bio-fuels, bio-products (natural pigments, bio-plastics, bio-fertilizers), bio-adsorbents, etc. which can further be utilized, thus adding to circular economy. These advancements not only mitigate environmental pollution but also enhance energy security, soil fertility, and industrial sustainability. Despite existing techniques, further efforts are still needed to enhance the efficiency and scalability of agricultural waste valorization

References

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How to cite this article

Mansi Bahman, Pardeep Kumar, N.K. Sankhyan and Mohit Kashyap (2025). Valorization of Agricultural Wastes: A Circular Economy Approach. Biological Forum, 17(3): 84-89