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Rudrapur:
Researchers at GB Pant Agriculture and Technology University in Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar, have discovered a method to convert pine leaves (pirul), the primary cause of forest fires, into valuable bio-grease and bio-resin. The research promises to prevent forest fires and enhance the local economy.
Tarannum Jahan, under the mentorship of Prof T K Bhattacharya and Prof A K Verma from the biochemistry department of the College of Sciences and Humanities, led the research.”The bio-grease we developed reduces friction in ball bearings and prevents rust, while the bio-resin is highly effective for glueing plywood,” said Verma.
The technology, developed under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP)- Energy in Agriculture & Agro-based Industries (EAAI) project, has been patented and sold to Green Molecules, a Gujarat-based company. “This initiative will not only increase the value of pine leaves but also provide villagers with a new source of income, thereby mitigating forest fires,” said A S Nain, director of research.
Nain added, “Uttarakhand generates approximately 2 million tonnes of pirul annually. The increase in its market value due to this research will significantly benefit local villagers financially. The methods involve producing bio-resin by mixing pyrolysis oil with phenyl, formaldehyde, and caustic soda at specific temperatures. Bio-grease is created by combining caustic soda and animal fat with pyrolysis oil, and then cooling the mixture to form a lubricant”.
For her contribution, Jahan received the ‘Young Woman Scientist Excellence’ Award from Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen (retd) Gurmit Singh.
Anil Hafeez, an agricultural scientist, said “This innovation is a game-changer for forest conservation and rural economies. It leverages a previously hazardous material to create sustainable products, providing dual benefits of environmental protection and economic growth.”
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