ABSTRACT
The term “biomass” in the Indian context primarily means material derived from the field residues of crops; waste by-products of crop processing; woody produce of forests; and also, the woody produce of plantations grown especially for this purpose. For agriculture-related biomass, the most exhaustive survey to assess the quantity of biomass produced in the country was carried out by the National Productivity Council in 1985-86. The survey recorded the ratios for the production of various types of crop residues and the useful product, and on the basis of these ratios, went on to estimate the statewise and cropwise biomass production. Biomass has been recognized as an important renewable energy resource by the Government right from the inception of renewable energy programmes. The attractiveness of biomass as a fuel for power generation derives from its many similarities to fossil fuels.
