| Sanction Date: | 20.03.2025 | |||
| Project Category | SG | |||
| Year | 2024-2025 | |||
| Project Duration | 3 Years | |||
| BTA : | BCM | |||
| Project Site/ State/ Districts/ Villages Covered: |
Dehradun |
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| Organization/ Implementation Agency: | Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Clement Town, Dehradun Uttarakhand | |||
| Project Partners: | S.No. | Name | ||
| 1. | AMBER FOUNDATION 257 | |||
| 2. | Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization (HESCO) | |||
| 3. | Mandakini Mahila Bunkar Samiti | |||
| 4. | NEHIR HIMALAYN SANSTHAN | |||
| 5. | G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment Kosi-Katarmal, Almora-263643 | |||
| Lead Proponent: | Dr. Durgesh Kumar Jaiswal |
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| Project Brief Description: | The proposed project, "Sustainable Utilization of Invasive Plant Biomass for Bioactive Component Recovery and Biochar Generation: A Unique Solution for Improving Rural Livelihoods in Uttarakhand," addresses critical ecological challenges linked to invasive species while aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Invasive plants like Ageratum conyzoide, Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus etc., threaten Uttarakhand's local ecosystems and agricultural productivity (like Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Haridwar, Rudraprayag, Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, and Pithoragarh). This initiative aims to convert these ecological threats into opportunities by utilizing invasive biomass to produce biochar and extract bioactive compounds, thus promoting SDG 15 (Life on Land) through biodiversity conservation. The rationale for this project is multifaceted. Invasive plants significantly endanger biodiversity and agricultural systems, outcompeting native flora and reducing crop yields, exacerbating local farmers' economic challenges. By focusing on the sustainable harvesting of these invasive species, the project seeks to mitigate their adverse effects while providing alternative income sources for rural communities, thereby supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). The production of biochar from invasive biomass sequesters carbon and enhances soil health—critical for sustainable agriculture in hilly terrains—addressing SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Moreover, extracting bioactive components from these plants opens avenues in agriculture, health foods, and pharmaceuticals as sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemicals, contributing to improved community health and well-being in line with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). Training local populations in sustainable harvesting and processing techniques will empower them economically and foster a sense of ownership over their natural resources, reinforcing community resilience against climate change as outlined in SDG 13 (Climate Action). The project will employ pyrolysis technology to convert invasive biomass into high-quality biochar while assessing its physicochemical properties. Eco-friendly methods will be utilized to extract bioactive compounds, which will be analyzed for their health benefits. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis will evaluate the economic feasibility of these initiatives, identifying market opportunities for biochar and bioactive products. Expected outcomes include significant environmental benefits such as reduced populations of invasive species, improved soil health, and enhanced biodiversity. Economically, the project aims to create biomass collection and processing jobs, ultimately enhancing rural livelihoods. Active involvement from local communities is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of these initiatives; their engagement will help maintain ecological balance while fostering economic resilience. This project aligns with the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) objectives by promoting sustainable resource management practices that enhance rural livelihoods while addressing pressing environmental challenges. This initiative paves the way for a sustainable future in Uttarakhand's rural landscapes by transforming invasive plant biomass into valuable resources. | |||
| Beneficiaries/ Stakeholders: |
• The primary beneficiaries are rural communities engaged in agriculture and dependent on natural resources. By involving them in the harvesting and processing invasive plants, the project aims to create job opportunities and enhance livelihoods through training in sustainable practices. |
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| Activity Chart | ||||
| Total Grants (in Rs.) | Rs. 4,900,000/-(Rupees Forty-Nine Lakh Only) | |||
| Project Objectives | Quantifiable Deliverables | Monitoring Indicators |
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• To identify suitable invasive plant species for biochar production and evaluation of their potential for bioactive component recovery. • To develop efficient and cost effective methods for converting invasive plant biomass into highquality biochar. • To recover valuable bioactive compounds from the invasive plant biomass. • To Develop sustainable value chains for produced bioproducts involving local communities and promoting economic development in rural areas. |
• Comprehensive database of invasive plant species with biochar potential. • Standardized protocol for biochar production from selected plant biomass. • Value chain model integrating community participation in biomass collection, biochar production, and product commercialization. • Production of biochar in pilot-scale units and its application in local farmlands. • Workshops and hands-on training for rural communities on biomass processing and product utilization. |
• No. of plant species identified and analyzed. • Quantity and purity of bioactive compounds recovered. • No. of community members engaged and economic benefits generated. • No. of training sessions conducted and No. of beneficiaries trained. • No. of market linkages established and sales revenue generated. |
| S.No. | Name (Sanctioned) | Salary (Sanctioned) |
| 1. | 02 SPF | @ Rs. 28,000/ +20% HRA |
| 2. | 02 JPF | @ Rs. 24,000/ +20% HRA |
| S.No. | Name of Equipment (Sanctioned) | Cost (in INR) |
| 1. | 01 Lab and Pilot Pressure Reactor (Model Uniclave 0.5 to 1.0 Lit) @4,80,000/-, 01 Borosilicate Glass Round Rotary Vacuum Evaporator @90,000/-, 01 HP Laser Jet Printer @30,000/-. | 6,00,000 |
