Telangana University VC Highlights Bioethanol & Mechanisation Push
Income Generation from Horticultural Crop Waste Can Boost Green Economy: University VC Dr. Danda Raji Reddy
Hyderabad, January 7, 2026
Highlighting the vast potential of converting horticultural crop waste into valuable products, Dr. Danda Raji Reddy, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, said that scientific utilization of post-harvest waste could significantly enhance farmersโ income, promote a green economy, and generate employment.
Speaking at an interaction programme held at the university headquarters with representatives of Cousin/Three Cousin Labs and other industry partners, Dr. Raji Reddy pointed out that nearly 30 per cent of horticultural produce is lost after harvest due to inadequate processing and value-addition facilities. He noted that India produces around 500 lakh tonnes of fruits annually, of which nearly 150 lakh tonnes turn into waste.
โVegetable and fruit waste contains high sugar content, making it highly suitable for conversion into bioethanol and other high-value products. Research across the country shows that bioethanol is already being produced successfully from waste generated by crops such as tomato and watermelon,โ he said. Converting such waste into value-added products would not only reduce losses but also open up new income streams for farmers and entrepreneurs, he added.
Mechanisation to Reduce Costs and Improve Quality
In another address, Dr. Raji Reddy emphasized that mechanisation in horticulture would play a crucial role in reducing cultivation costs, improving produce quality, and increasing overall yields in the coming years. He stressed the need for mechanised solutions in large-scale horticultural farms, especially for operations such as fruit harvesting, pruning, and quality inspection, which must be completed within short timeframes to ensure premium-quality produce.
The Vice-Chancellor said the university is in active discussions with industries to develop specialised machines for harvesting mangoes, covering fruits with protective bags, harvesting chilies, and designing equipment for crops such as guava, lemon, jamun, and pomegranate, while preserving fruit quality and minimizing damage.
Dignitaries Present
The programme was attended by Registrar Dr. A. Bhagavan, Dean of Horticulture, Dean of Student Affairs Dr. J. China, former CRADA Director Dr. Ramakrishna, Three Cousin Labs representative Dr. Sudhakar, Robo Six Company representative Sunil, University Consultant Dr. K. Veeranjaneyulu, Director of Research Dr. D. Lakshminarayana, Director of Extension Dr. Suresh Kumar, Director of Industrial and International Programmes Dr. N. Srinivasan, University Librarian Dr. M. Rajasekhar, Technical Secretary Prof. Pidigam Saidiah, and Technical Officer Ashwin.
University officials said such academiaโindustry collaborations would accelerate innovation in horticulture, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen Telanganaโs position as a hub for sustainable agricultural technologies.
