Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlights that agricultural waste can be converted into a valuable national resource.
Photo Credit: PIB
New Delhi, January 7, 2026: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday highlighted the immense potential of agricultural waste as a valuable national resource, stating that bio-bitumen is a transformative innovation aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Nitin Gadkari highlighted the usefulness of the agro-waste in road construction:
He said that the use of agro-waste in road construction will not only reduce pollution caused by crop residue burning but also strengthen India’s circular economy.
Speaking at CSIR’s Technology Transfer ceremony titled “from farm residue to road: bio-bitumen via pyrolysis,: Gadkari announced that India has become the first country in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s road infrastructure sector.
“With a 15 percent blending of bio-bitumen, India can save nearly Rs 4,500 crore in foreign exchange and significantly reduce its dependence on imported crude oil,” the Union Minister said.
Nitin Gadkari emphasized that this innovation directly contributes to environmental protection while enhancing economic efficiency.
Congratulating the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and its scientists for achieving this pioneering breakthrough, Gadkari also thanked Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh for his consistent support in turning this scientific innovation into a commercial reality.
Farmer empowerment through bio-bitumen production:
Nitin Gadkari said that bio-bitumen production will empower farmers by creating additional income opportunities, generating rural employment, and providing a major boost to the rural economy.
He described the initiative as a strong reflection of the Modi government’s commitment to sustainable development, self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), and environmentally responsible growth.
“Bio-bitumen is not just a technological achievement, but a pathway towards a cleaner and greener future for India,” Gadkari said, adding that such innovations will play a crucial role in building resilient infrastructure while protecting the environment.
EOM.
