Agricultural Waste Management for Increased Income and a Sustainable Environment

Abstract

There is growing realization of the adverse effects of agricultural wastes on the environment and humans. As agricultural waste generation is expected to continue to climb up with expanding agricultural sector owing to the world’s growing population and high demand for food and meat, efficient and timely treatment of agricultural wastes is of paramount importance to avoid the negative effects wastes cause on the environment, human health and rural sanitation. There is a clear need for a holistic waste disposal approach, which focuses to shift more toward waste processing and waste recycling, aiming for eventual waste minimization. Further, approaches to solve the waste problem should lead to a model in which waste is used as an input in the manufacturing of commodities and its value is exploited, making waste management a true profit venture. Agricultural wastes are abundant, renewable, and virtually free, making them a valuable resource for producing charcoal, methanol, ethanol, biodiesel, and other raw materials such as biogas and can be used as a source for energy, bedding, mulch, organic matter, plant nutrients, etc., and can be sold if they are properly treated. Farmers need to shift attention from primary agriculture to secondary, wherein they enhance the value of the produce and utilize all possible by-products to ensure system sustainability and additional income. Considering the above aspects, the present chapter attempted to present a comprehensive account on agricultural waste management for increased income and sustainable environment.