Upcycling of Post Harvest Residue Using Indigenous Fibrolytic Enzymes

Abstract

Abstract newlineIn agrarian economies such as India, the equilibrium between agricultural output and newlineresource conservation hinges critically on effective residue management. While newlinesignificant strides have been made in improving productivity and yield, the parallel newlinenecessity for sustainable disposal and valorization of post-harvest residue (PHR) newlineremains under-addressed. India, contributing nearly 12% to the global volume of PHR, newlinefinds itself at the confluence of an agricultural revolution and an environmental newlineimperative. With agriculture accounting for around 16% of the national GDP, any newlineintervention in PHR management holds far-reaching implication not just for newlineecological health, but for economic resilience and rural livelihood enhancement. newlineDespite a wealth of literature exploring the potential of lignocellulosic agro-waste, its newlinevast capacity for value addition remains largely unrealized at the grassroots level. PHR, newlinecomprising rice straw, wheat husk, sugarcane bagasse, and pulses residue, among newlineothers, is a rich source of lignocellulosic biomass. Through appropriate newlinebiotechnological interventions, this biomass can be upcycled into commercially newlinevaluable products such as fibrolytic enzyme cocktails, bio-stimulants, organic newlinefertilizers, and feed-grade bioconversion substrates. These applications not only align newlinewith circular bioeconomy principles but also present a transformative opportunity to newlinemitigate on-farm losses, reduce dependence on external inputs, and improve the newlineeconomic standing of marginal farmers. newlineSupportive national schemes such as the National Policy for Management of Crop newlineResidues (NPMCR) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) serve as vital enablers, newlinepromoting integrated residue management through incentives, technical support, and newlinethe development of decentralized infrastructure. However, the full potential of such newlinepolicies can only be realized through localized, scientifically validated solutions that newlinerespond to the region-specific challenges of marginal farming households.