Chandigarh | February 4, 2026: A first‑of‑its‑kind regional dialogue on “Building Circular, Low‑Carbon Supply Chains for Agri‑Fibre Pulp & Paper Packaging in Punjab & Haryana” was convened at Hyatt Regency, Chandigarh. Co‑presented by Asar, a social impact advisory focused on climate resilience, and Canopy, an environmental non‑profit, the roundtable brought together government officials, pulp and paper industry leaders, farmer organizations, brands, and sustainability experts to explore how crop residue can be transformed into low‑impact, low‑carbon packaging materials.
Key Highlights
- Punjab and Haryana generate over 35 million tonnes of crop residue annually.
- India already produces 1.5 million tonnes of pulp and paper from agri‑residues across 23 mills, proving technical feasibility at scale.
- Rising demand from e‑commerce, FMCG, and retail sectors creates strong potential for agri‑fibre‑based packaging solutions.
- Dialogue emphasized farmers as key partners in circular supply chains, contributing to both food security and sustainable raw materials.
Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Punjab, said: “The Punjab Government is continuously working to promote sustainable crop residue management. Such platforms help policymakers, industry, and farmers understand how residue can be used in value‑added industries while supporting farmer incomes and addressing environmental challenges.”
Shyam Singh Rana, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Haryana, added: “Haryana’s industrial base provides a strong foundation for circular manufacturing. This dialogue helps us explore how crop residue can be integrated into low‑carbon packaging supply chains, benefiting both industry and the environment.”
Vinuta Gopal, CEO, Asar, noted: “Crop residue should be seen not as waste, but as a valuable resource. This dialogue is about unlocking its potential to benefit farmers, reduce forest pressure, and support India’s transition to low‑carbon materials.”
Shruti Singh, Country Director, Canopy, said: “Forest‑based supply chains face real climate risks. Crop residues offer India a practical, low‑carbon alternative. This dialogue is about understanding what it will take to scale agri‑residue‑based circular supply chains in Punjab and Haryana.”
Regional Strengths
- Punjab: Abundant feedstock and strong ex‑situ crop residue management policies.
- Haryana: Advanced pulp and paper clusters in Yamuna Nagar and Panipat, emerging biofuel and industrial infrastructure.
- Together, the states present an opportunity to build a regional circular bio‑economy model linking farmers, industries, and end markets.
Challenges Identified
- Underutilized residue collection and aggregation systems.
- Limited participation of small and marginal farmers.
- Weak linkages between collection and industrial use.
- Insufficient policy focus on packaging as a high‑value application of crop residue.
Next Steps
Participants agreed to explore a Punjab–Haryana Working Group to assess infrastructure, policy, and investment needs. The dialogue marked an important first step in positioning crop residue as a resource for low‑carbon packaging and farmers as partners in circular supply chains.
About Canopy
Canopy is a solutions‑driven environmental non‑profit dedicated to protecting forests, species, and climate. Working with 1,000+ global brands, producers, and innovators, Canopy drives supply chain transformation and scales Next Gen Solutions to reduce reliance on climate‑critical forests.
Website: www.canopyplanet.org
About Asar
Asar Social Impact Advisors is a startup focused on climate resilience and social justice impact. It convenes multi‑stakeholder dialogues, builds collaborations, and develops strategies rooted in local contexts to deliver real‑world impact.
Website: www.asar.co.in
