Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said that the adoption of bio-bitumen aligns strongly with India’s climate commitments, Net Zero targets, and flagship initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, the National Bio-Energy Mission, and circular economy frameworks. Mr Chouhan was speaking at the technology transfer agreement signing ceremony titled Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis: From Farm Residue to Roads in New Delhi. The Minister said that the use of farm residue for high-value infrastructure applications also offers additional income opportunities for farmers while reducing stubble burning and environmental pollution.

Meanwhile, addressing the gathering, Minister for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, said that the technology transfer of bio-bitumen is helping to make India self-reliant. The Minister said that India currently imports nearly half of its bitumen requirement, and innovations like bio-bitumen would significantly reduce foreign dependence while strengthening domestic capabilities. Dr Singh said that bio-bitumen addresses multiple challenges simultaneously, from stubble management and environmental protection to reduction in imports.