An MOU has been signed between Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana and M/s Neway Renewable Energy (Bathinda) Pvt. Ltd (NREBPL), a sub group of Alkindi Group Company, Doha Qatar to convert paddy straw into enriched fodder pellets. The MOU was signed by Dr. J.P.S. Gill, Director Research and Abdul Samad Melath, Chairman NREBPL in the presence of Dr. A.S. Nanda, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Parkash. S. Brar, Dean College of Veterinary Science, Dr S K Uppal, Dean Post Graduate Studies, Dr. Manju Wadhwa, Head department of Animal Nutrition, GADVASU, and Dr. S.K. Sivakumar, Director NREBPL.
Dr AS Nanda told that as per the data available approximately 20 million tones of paddy straw is available in Punjab which is not being utilized for productive purposes and most of it is burnt leading to air soil and water pollution apart from badly damaging natural bio diversity. The company plans to process 10 million tons of paddy straw into enriched fodder pellets using innovative technology under the guidance of GADVASU. The university experts will analyse the fodder pellets so produced for certain quality control parameters viz. digestibility, nutritional value and shelf life etc. quality. Dr Nanda further informed that GADVASU will also provide technical support from time to time. NREBPL has Donated Rs. 5 Lacks to GADVASU to support the project, amount will be increase according to need he added.
Dairy business is progressing in Gulf Cooperative Council Countries (GCC) but there is a severe lack of facilities for feed and fodder production So there is tremendous scope of export of enriched fodder pellets to Qatar and the Middle East countries. Qatar Company will market the products internationally using their 30 years experience in the global market.
NREBPL has already signed a MOU with Government of Punjab for processing of paddy straw in to carbon enriched fuel and is in the process of setting up the required infrastructure. The collaboration between GADVASU and NREBPL will go a long way in addressing the paddy straw management and other environmental issues.
