Chitkara University Secures 4.5 Crore DST Grant for Agricultural Waste Innovation
In a significant stride toward sustainable development and research excellence, Chitkara University, Punjab, has been awarded a distinguished grant of 4.50 crore by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. The funding has been sanctioned for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) titled “Centre of Innovations to Foster Full Cycle Processing of Agriculture Waste to Wealth (PAWW).” The initiative aims to address the critical challenge of agricultural waste management by transforming waste into valuable resources through innovative, full-cycle processing technologies.
This cutting-edge project positions Chitkara University as the lead institution under Dr. Nitin Saluja, Senior Director Research, CURIN, who will serve as the Principal Investigator. The CoE will operate in collaboration with a robust consortium of highly regarded institutions, including the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), and National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI). Together, these institutions bring a diverse range of expertise in remote sensing, agricultural research, and sustainable practices to drive impactful, data-driven outcomes.
The Centre aims to develop scalable models for converting agricultural residue into energy, bio-based materials, and other value-added products, thereby addressing both environmental concerns and the economic upliftment of farming communities. By integrating science, technology, and policy, the PAWW Centre will foster a circular economy approach, reduce stubble burning, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions—pressing issues that continue to affect North India’s air quality and agricultural ecosystems.
This milestone underscores Chitkara University’s strategic focus on research-led innovation that serves national priorities and community welfare. With this recognition from the DST, the university continues to strengthen its position as a hub for advanced research and sustainable development. The grant further reinforces Chitkara’s mission to cultivate impactful partnerships that lead to real-world solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As the Centre of Excellence takes shape, it is set to become a beacon of interdisciplinary innovation and a model for how academic institutions can lead environmental transformation through research, collaboration, and community impact.
