Wilmington, Delaware, USA
April 19, 2010
Pioneer is helping farmers in Parbatipur, Bangladesh, convert rice hulls into a sustainable fuel source for cooking.
A Pioneer Community Investment grant supports the work of Compatible Technology International (CTI) to establish "Bangaler Alo,” a fuel production facility.
Rice is a primary food in Bangladesh. Because of the food’s popularity, the Parbatipur area produces tons of rice, as well as non-edible biomass in the form of rice straw, rice husks and rice hulls. By using compression and heat, the facility transforms rice hulls into a four-foot long "fuel stick" (photo) weighing about eight pounds.
The fuel stick is as affordable as firewood and healthier and cleaner burning than firewood, animal dung and plastic – sources that low-income families in developing countries commonly use for cooking and warmth. These fuel sources often spread disease and can cause infection, respiratory problems and even blindness.
The project has been successful from both a sustainable and economic standpoint. The area is reducing deforestation and, in turn, improving soil quality for agriculture. The facility is also providing a boost to the local economy by setting up three locations as vending operations for planned retail distribution.
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