Uttar Pradesh Launches Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy To Convert Agricultural Waste Into Jet Fuel

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government unveiled plans to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from agricultural waste, aiming to boost farmer incomes and reduce carbon emissions. The proposed Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Manufacturing Policy-2025 targets setting up industrial units to convert sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and wheat straw into bio-jet fuel, directly benefiting 2.5 crore farmers.

A high-level roundtable conference organized by Invest UP in Lucknow discussed the policy framework, with over 18 firms, including Greencore, AM Greens, and E20 Greenfuels, expressing interest in investing ₹3,000 crore. Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh emphasized the state’s agro-industrial potential, citing UP’s robust logistics network and surplus crop residue as key advantages.

The policy, the first of its kind in India, aligns with global decarbonization goals while addressing stubble burning. Officials confirmed stakeholder feedback will be incorporated before final approval. The initiative is expected to create new markets for farmers by procuring crop waste directly, ensuring better prices and reducing environmental harm from residue burning.