Assessment of Agricultural Residue-Based Particleboards Manufacturing in India: A Sustainable Approach

Farmers described a lack of economic incentives to clear crop residue, contributing to widespread burning. They need approaches that turn this material into a viable local income stream.

Originating from farmer consultations, this project evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of decentralised, cooperative-owned particleboard manufacturing within agricultural districts.

Researchers are assessing lower-pressure compression techniques and natural binders that can work without industrial-grade electricity, alongside the social and economic conditions needed for local operation.

The team is studying seasonal crop-residue availability and testing board production with simplified pressing equipment. The scale and locations of these trials require confirmation before publication.

A viable model could reduce residue burning while creating a local material and a new source of rural income.

Future work could develop a replicable package of equipment guidance, training and financial planning for rural cooperatives.