Piloting Sustainable Use Cases of Rice Straw – A Feasibility Study

This document is a pre-feasibility study that evaluates and proposes innovative methods for collecting, processing, and recycling rice straw as alternatives to open-field burning. It examines current crop residue management practices and presents value-added solutions such as organic fertilizer production, mushroom cultivation, bioenergy (biochar and biogas), and environmentally friendly construction materials. While these approaches offer significant potential to improve farmer livelihoods and promote a circular economy, implementation remains constrained by challenges in mechanized collection, post-harvest logistics, and market development. The report outlines five key policy recommendations: improving mechanization, strengthening storage and transport systems, creating an enabling investment environment, raising public awareness, and fostering sustainable multi-stakeholder collaboration.