The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has inked a pact with Partners in Prosperity, New Delhi for the commercialization of binderless briquettes from chopped paddy straw technology.

Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU and Mr Naresh Chaudhary, CEO of New Delhi based NGO, signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on behalf of their organizations. As per the agreement, the University has offered non-exclusive rights to the company for using the technology within India.

Dr Rajan Aggarwal, Head, Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, said that technology helped in wise disposal of paddy straw/biomass.

A team of researchers including Dr Ritu Dogra, Professor, Dr Manpreet Singh, Scientist and Dr VS Hans, Professor are involved in this breakthrough technology.

Giving details, Dr Dogra explained that this technology is capable of preparing binderless briquettes from chopped paddy straw. The technology is 33 per cent energy efficient than the conventional method of production of briquettes, she said. These eco-friendly briquettes can be widely used as a fuel in thermal application like steam generation in boilers, for heating purpose, food cooking, cremation grounds etc. to replace existing conventional fuel, she added.

Dr Khushdeep Dharni, Associate Director, Technology Marketing and IPR Cell, stated that PAU is disseminating technologies to various commercial enterprises so as to facilitate widespread adoption at grassroot level.

Dr GS Manses, Additional Director of Research (Farm Mechanization and Bioeneregy), was also present on the occasion.