Valorizing Agricultural Waste to Boost Revenue: A Win-Win Partnership between International manufacturers, Local Agribusiness Firms and Small Farmers

Agricultural waste is the organic material that remains after the harvest or after the processing of crops. It includes crop residues, such as stalks, leaves, husks, and shells, as well as processing wastes, such as peels, pulp, seeds, and pits. Agricultural waste is often considered a burden and a source of environmental pollution, but it can also be a valuable resource to produce bioenergy, bioproducts, bioactive compounds and other value-added products.

Many crops that are grown in developing countries produce large amounts of agricultural waste that can be used to produce bioenergy, bioproducts, bioactive compounds and other value-added products.

Rice waste

Rice is one of the most important staple crops in the world. Rice straw and husk are the main by-products of rice cultivation and milling. Rice straw can be used for biogas production through anaerobic digestion, bioethanol production through fermentation, or bio composite production through mixing with polymers. Rice husk can be used for electricity generation through gasification, silica extraction through acid leaching, or activated carbon production through chemical activation.

Cassava waste

Cassava waste is the organic material that remains after the harvest and processing of cassava. It includes cassava peels, pulp, leaves, stems, and roots. Cassava waste can be transformed into value-added products through various methods, such as:

Anaerobic digestion: This is a process of breaking down the cassava waste by microorganisms under anaerobic conditions. Anaerobic digestion can reduce the organic matter and greenhouse gas emissions of cassava waste and produce biogas and digestate. Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide that can be used as a renewable energy source for heat, electricity, or transport fuels. Digestate is a nutrient-rich liquid or solid that can be used as an organic fertilizer or soil conditioner.

Ethanol production: This is a process of converting the cassava waste into ethanol, a biofuel that can be used as a substitute for gasoline. Ethanol production involves pretreatment, hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation of cassava waste. Ethanol can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and lower the carbon footprint of transportation.

Surfactant production: This is a process of producing surfactants, which are substances that can reduce the surface tension of liquids and enhance their cleaning properties. Surfactant production involves enzymatic hydrolysis of the cassava waste to produce glucose and fructose, which are then fermented by bacteria to produce rhamnolipids, a type of biosurfactant. Surfactants can be used for detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and bioremediation.

Bioplastic production: This is the process of producing bioplastics, which are plastics that are derived from renewable biomass sources. Bioplastic production involves extracting starch from cassava waste and blending it with other polymers or additives to form thermoplastic starch (TPS), a type of biodegradable plastic. Bioplastics can be used for packaging, disposable items, agricultural mulch, and medical devices.

Cocoa waste

Cocoa waste is the organic material that remains after the harvest and processing of cocoa. It includes cocoa pod husks, bean shells, and pulp. Cocoa waste can be transformed into value-added products through various methods, such as:

Activated carbon production: This is the process of treating the cocoa waste with chemicals or heat to increase its surface area and adsorption capacity. Activated carbon can be used for water purification, air filtration, gas separation, and energy storage.

Soap production: This is the process of saponifying the cocoa waste with alkali to produce soap. Soap can be used for personal hygiene, laundry, and cleaning.

Animal feed production: This is a process of drying, grinding, and mixing the cocoa waste with other ingredients to produce animal feed. Animal feed can be used for livestock, poultry, and fish farming.

Soil manure and fertilizer production: This is a process of composting or vermicomposting cocoa waste to produce soil manure and fertilizer. Soil manure and fertilizer can be used for crop cultivation, soil improvement, and plant protection.

Biofuel production: This is the process of converting cocoa waste into biofuel, which can be used as a substitute for fossil fuels. Biofuel can be produced from cocoa waste through different processes, such as anaerobic digestion, fermentation, gasification, and pyrolysis. Anaerobic digestion can produce biogas, a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide, from cocoa waste. Fermentation can produce bioethanol, a biofuel that can replace gasoline, from cocoa waste. Gasification can produce syngas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, from cocoa waste. Pyrolysis can produce biochar, bio-oil, and syngas from cocoa waste.

Nutraceutical production: This is the process of extracting or producing nutraceuticals, which are substances that have nutritional and medicinal benefits. Nutraceuticals can be produced from cocoa waste through different methods, such as extraction, hydrolysis, and fermentation. Extraction can produce polyphenols, methylxanthines, dietary fibers, and phytosterols from cocoa waste. Polyphenols are antioxidants that can prevent oxidative stress and chronic diseases. Methylxanthines are stimulants that can enhance cognitive and physical performance. Dietary fibers are indigestible carbohydrates that can improve digestive health and lower cholesterol levels. Phytosterols are plant sterols that can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Hydrolysis can produce pectin from cocoa waste. Pectin is a polysaccharide that has applications in the food industry as a gelling agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier. Fermentation can produce lactic acid from cocoa waste. Lactic acid is an organic acid that has applications in the food industry as a preservative, flavor enhancer, and pH regulator.

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Pineapple waste

Pineapple waste is the organic material that remains after the harvest and processing of pineapple. It includes pineapple peels, cores, leaves, stems, and crowns. Pineapple waste can be transformed into value-added products through various methods, such as:

Bioenergy production: This is the process of converting pineapple waste into bioenergy, which can be used for heat, electricity, or transport fuels. Bioenergy can be produced from pineapple waste through different processes, such as anaerobic digestion, fermentation, gasification, and pyrolysis. Anaerobic digestion can produce biogas, a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide, from pineapple waste. Fermentation can produce bioethanol, a biofuel that can replace gasoline, from pineapple waste. Gasification can produce syngas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, from pineapple waste. Pyrolysis can produce biochar, bio-oil, and syngas from pineapple waste.

Bioproducts production: This is the process of producing bioproducts, which are materials, chemicals, and fuels that are derived from biomass. Bioproducts can be produced from pineapple waste through different methods, such as extraction, hydrolysis, and mechanochemical treatment. Extraction can produce bromelain, a protease enzyme that has various applications in food, medicine, and cosmetics, from pineapple waste. Hydrolysis can produce cellulose nanocrystals, biodegradable packaging materials, and bio-adsorbents from pineapple waste. Mechanochemical treatment can produce magnetic nanoparticles, which have potential uses in biomedical imaging, drug delivery, and catalysis, from pineapple waste.

Bioactive compound production: This is the process of producing bioactive compounds, which are substances that have biological effects on living organisms. Bioactive compounds can be produced from pineapple waste through different methods, such as enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. Enzymatic hydrolysis can produce pectin and xylooligosaccharides from pineapple waste. Pectin is a polysaccharide that has applications in the food industry as a gelling agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier. Xylooligosaccharides are prebiotics that can improve the intestinal health and immunity of humans and animals. Fermentation can produce wine, vinegar, and organic acids from pineapple waste. Wine is an alcoholic beverage that can be consumed or used as a raw material for other products. Vinegar is an acidic liquid that can be used as a condiment, preservative, or cleaning agent. Organic acids are carboxylic acids that can be used as food additives, pH regulators, or chemical feedstocks.

Coconut waste

Coconut waste is the term used for the parts of the coconut that are not used for edible or industrial purposes, such as the husk, shell, and water. Coconut waste can be converted into various products that have economic and environmental benefits.

Some of the value-added products from coconut waste are:

Coconut fiber: Coconut fiber is obtained from the husk of the coconut, which is composed of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Coconut fiber has many applications in various industries, such as textiles, paper, packaging, furniture, mattresses, carpets, ropes, brushes, and handicrafts. Coconut fiber is also used as a soil conditioner, mulch, and erosion control material.

Coconut shell charcoal: Coconut shell charcoal is produced by burning the coconut shells in a controlled environment. Coconut shell charcoal has a high carbon content and a low ash content, making it an ideal fuel for cooking, heating, and industrial processes. Coconut shell charcoal is also used as a raw material for activated carbon, which is widely used in water purification, air filtration, gas masks, gold recovery, and medicine.

Coconut vinegar: Coconut vinegar is made by fermenting coconut water with yeast and bacteria. Coconut vinegar has a mild acidic taste and a high content of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants. Coconut vinegar is used as a condiment, salad dressing, marinade, preservative, and health tonic.

Virgin coconut oil: Virgin coconut oil is extracted from the fresh coconut meat without using any heat or chemicals. Virgin coconut oil has a high content of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which have many health benefits such as boosting metabolism, improving immunity, reducing inflammation, and protecting against infections. Virgin coconut oil is also used as a cooking oil, skin moisturizer, hair conditioner, and cosmetic ingredient.

Coconut spread: Coconut spread is a creamy paste made from coconut milk powder, sugar, and vegetable oil. Coconut spread has a rich coconut flavor and a smooth texture that can be spread on bread, toast, crackers, pancakes, waffles, and cakes. Coconut spread is also used as a filling for pastries and desserts.

Eggshell waste

Eggshell waste is the organic material that remains after the consumption or processing of eggs. It is composed of calcium carbonate, protein, and other minerals. Eggshell waste can be transformed into value-added products through various methods, such as:

Calcination: This is a process of heating the eggshell waste at high temperatures to decompose it into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. Calcium oxide can be used as a catalyst, a desiccant, a soil stabilizer, or a source of calcium for other applications.

Hydrothermal treatment: This is a process of treating the eggshell waste with water under high pressure and temperature to produce hydroxyapatite, a biocompatible material that is like bone and teeth. Hydroxyapatite can be used for bone repair, tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and biosensors.

Mechanochemical treatment: This is the process of grinding the eggshell waste with other substances to induce chemical reactions and produce new materials. For example, eggshell waste can be mixed with iron oxide to produce magnetic nanoparticles, which can be used for biomedical imaging, drug delivery, and catalysis.

Biotechnological treatment: This is a process of using microorganisms or enzymes to convert eggshell waste into useful products. For example, eggshell waste can be fermented by bacteria to produce biogas, a renewable energy source. Eggshell waste can also be hydrolyzed by enzymes to extract protein, collagen, and other bioactive compounds.

Poultry manure

Poultry manure contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients that can be beneficial for plants and soil. Poultry manure can be transformed into value-added products through various methods, such as:

Composting: This is the process of decomposing poultry manure by microorganisms under aerobic conditions. Composting can reduce the volume, odor, and pathogens of poultry manure and produce a stable and humus-like material that can be used as organic fertilizer or soil amendment.

Pelletizing: This is a process of drying, grinding, and compacting the poultry manure into small and uniform pellets. Pelletizing can increase the density, durability, and storability of poultry manure and produce a convenient and marketable product that can be used as animal feed or fuel.

Anaerobic digestion: This is the process of breaking down poultry manure by microorganisms under anaerobic conditions. Anaerobic digestion can reduce the organic matter and greenhouse gas emissions of poultry manure and produce biogas and digestate. Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide that can be used as a renewable energy source for heat, electricity, or transport fuels. Digestate is a nutrient-rich liquid or solid that can be used as an organic fertilizer or soil conditioner.

Pyrolysis: This the process of heating the poultry manure at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. Pyrolysis can convert poultry manure into biochar, bio-oil, and syngas. Biochar is a carbon-rich solid that can be used as a soil amendment, a carbon sequestration agent, or a catalyst support. Bio-oil is a complex liquid that can be used as a fuel or a chemical feedstock. Syngas is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide that can be used as a fuel or a chemical feedstock.

Crop wastes to produce biochar

Biochar is a carbon-rich material that is produced by heating biomass (such as agricultural waste) in a limited oxygen environment. This process is called pyrolysis, and it can convert plant and animal waste into biochar, biogas, and bio-oil. Biochar can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil fertility, water retention, and carbon sequestration. Biochar can also be used as a source of renewable energy, a feed additive for livestock, a filter for water purification, and a catalyst for various reactions.

Some of the crop wastes that are suitable to produce biochar in developing countries are:

• Cassava residues
• Corncobs
• Rice husk
• Sawdust
• Coffee husk
• Peanut shell
• Maize stalks
• Wheat straw

These crop wastes are abundant, renewable, and low-cost biomass resources that can be pyrolyzed using low-tech and low-control methods, such as top-lit updraft microgasifiers or simple piles.

Biochar produced from these crop wastes can have various benefits, such as improving soil fertility, sequestering carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and generating income for smallholder farmers.

Win-win strategy

A possible win-win strategy between agribusiness firms and small farmer cooperatives to valorize agricultural waste is to establish a partnership based on mutual benefits and trust. The partnership can involve the following aspects:

The agribusiness firms can provide technical assistance, quality standards, market information, and financial support to the small farmers’ cooperatives, helping them to improve their production efficiency, product quality, and profitability.

The small farmers’ cooperatives can supply their agricultural waste to the agribusiness firms, who can use it as a raw material to produce bioenergy, bioproducts, and bioactive compounds, adding value to the waste and reducing environmental impact.

The agribusiness firms can share a part of their profits or revenues with the small farmers’ cooperatives, creating a fair and transparent pricing mechanism that rewards the farmers for their contribution and incentivizes them to continue supplying their waste.

The small farmers’ cooperatives can also benefit from the increased demand for their primary products, as the agribusiness firms can promote them as sustainable and socially responsible sources of biomass.

Such a partnership can create a win-win situation for both parties, as they can leverage their complementary strengths and resources, enhance their competitiveness and resilience, and contribute to rural development and environmental protection.

Some examples of successful cases of such partnerships are:

In Colombia, a cooperative of small cassava farmers partnered with a biotechnology company to supply cassava peels to produce bioethanol. The company provided the cooperative with technical assistance, quality control, and guaranteed prices. The cooperative increased its income by 30 percent and reduced its waste disposal costs by 90 percent.

In Costa Rica, a cooperative of small pineapple farmers partnered with a food processing company to supply pineapple peels and cores for the extraction of pectin and bromelain. The company provided the cooperative with market information, quality standards, and financial support. The cooperative improved its product quality and profitability while reducing its environmental impact.

In India, a cooperative of small rice farmers partnered with a renewable energy company to supply rice straw for the generation of electricity. The company provided the cooperative with technical training, equipment, and guaranteed prices. The cooperative increased its income by 15 percent and reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent.

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Conclusion

Valorizing agricultural waste can benefit local communities in developing countries by reducing waste disposal costs and minimizing environmental impact.

Are you a food manufacturer or a technology provider who owns technologies to produce above value-added products? Are you looking for a way to expand your business to the developing countries and make a positive impact on the world? If yes, this partnership is an exciting opportunity for you to join with local agribusiness firms to produce high value-added products for both domestic and export markets.

This win-win partnership would benefit all parties. The international partners would gain a social and climate-conscious brand, the local agribusiness firms would create jobs and contribute to the economic development while the small farmers cooperatives will generate additional revenue for the local communities and contribute to their economic development.

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