Service Model

The Rice Straw Collection Module operates through field-based teams that work directly with farmers within a 30–50 km service radius.

Field supervisors coordinate collection activities and establish agreements with farmers to manage straw after harvest.

Two service models are typically offered to farmers.

Service Model 1

Straw Baling Service for Farmers

In this model, farmers retain ownership of their straw while the module provides professional baling and handling services.

The service typically includes:

• windrowing straw in the field

• baling straw into large square bales

• loading and transport within the farm

• delivery to the farmer’s straw storage barn

Each bale typically weighs approximately 600 kg.

The service is offered at a fixed per-bale service fee, allowing farmers to efficiently collect straw for their own use in livestock feed, bedding, or other purposes.

This model helps farmers avoid burning straw while providing an efficient mechanized service.

Service Model 2

Straw Purchase and Removal

Some farmers do not require straw and may not have storage facilities.

In this case, the module offers to purchase the straw from the field.

A simple agreement is made with the farmer based on area or estimated straw volume, for example a payment per hectare or per rai.

Under this arrangement, the module performs all operations including:

• windrowing

• baling

• bale collection

• transportation

• storage at the aggregation hub

This model allows farmers to clear residues from their fields while generating additional income.

Field Operations

The Rice Straw Collection Module uses a coordinated set of agricultural machinery to perform efficient field collection operations.

The main field activities include:

1. Straw Windrowing
   After harvest, straw scattered across the field is gathered into rows using a windrow rake.

2. Straw Baling
   A large square baler compresses straw into dense rectangular bales weighing approximately 600 kg per bale.

3. Bale Handling
   Loaders or telehandlers collect the bales and prepare them for transport.

4. Field Transport
   Straw bales are loaded onto trailers or trucks and transported to the aggregation hub.

This mechanized process allows large areas of farmland to be serviced efficiently.

Rice Straw Aggregation Hub

Collected straw is transported to a regional aggregation hub where it is stored, managed, and prepared for dispatch.

Each hub typically serves farms within a 30–50 km radius.

The hub functions as the logistics center of the module.

Key infrastructure includes:

• straw bale storage yards

• covered straw storage sheds

• truck loading areas

• machinery yard and maintenance workshop

• weighbridge and logistics control point

A typical straw storage facility can hold approximately 3,000–5,000 tonnes of straw at any time.

Proper stacking, ventilation, and fire safety spacing are essential to maintain straw quality and minimize risks.

Logistics and Transport

Efficient logistics are essential for large-scale biomass supply chains.

The module uses dedicated transport equipment to move straw between fields and aggregation hubs, and from hubs to downstream users.

Typical logistics assets include:

• truck tractors and biomass trailers

• loaders for bale handling

• low-bed trucks for transporting field machinery

The logistics system ensures that straw can move smoothly from farms to storage and onward to processing facilities.

Downstream Utilization

Once collected and aggregated, rice straw can support multiple circular utilization pathways.

These include:

• organic compost production

• biomethane production from anaerobic digestion

• renewable fuels such as bioCNG or bioLNG

• bio-based materials derived from agricultural residues

By organizing straw supply chains, the module enables these downstream industries while reducing agricultural residue burning.

Environmental Impact

The Rice Straw Collection Module contributes to several environmental benefits.

These include:

Reduction of residue burning
Structured straw collection offers farmers an alternative to burning crop residues.

Improved air quality
Reducing open burning helps lower particulate pollution in agricultural regions.

Methane reduction
Proper biomass management helps reduce methane emissions from unmanaged organic residues.

Support for regenerative agriculture
Collected straw can be converted into compost and returned to farmland to improve soil health.

Replicable Community Model

The Rice Straw Collection Module is designed as a replicable operational model that can be adopted by local biomass enterprises and community organizations.

Each module can be implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) structure involving local partners.

A typical structure may include:

• CEV: 80–90% ownership

• Community Enterprise: 10–20% ownership

This structure allows communities to participate in biomass value chains while maintaining professional operational management.

Foundation of the bioMASS Platform

The Rice Straw Collection Module represents the foundation of the bioMASS platform.

By organizing rice straw supply chains, the module unlocks the potential of agricultural residues and enables the development of circular bioeconomy systems.

Once established, similar modules can be deployed for additional biomass resources including:

• sugarcane leaves

• cassava pulp

• livestock manure

Together, these modules form an integrated system that connects agriculture with circular biomass utilization pathways.

Field Collection Strategy

Two operational modes are implemented depending on field conditions.

Biomass Collection Mode

In fields where residue density and moisture conditions allow efficient recovery, sugarcane leaves are collected and baled.

Typical operations include:

• windrowing of residues

• baling using large square balers

• loading using loaders or telehandlers

• transport to regional biomass aggregation hubs.

This approach converts sugarcane residues into a valuable biomass resource.

Field Shredding Service

In fields where residue conditions make baling inefficient, the module offers shredding services.

Crawler-mounted shredders are used to shred sugarcane leaves directly in the field.

After shredding, the biomass remains in the field where it can be incorporated into the soil during land preparation.

This service provides farmers with an alternative to burning residues while supporting soil organic matter and improving soil health.

Farmers are typically charged a per-rai shredding service fee.

Standard Machinery Set

The Sugarcane Leaves Module uses a machinery configuration similar to the Rice Straw Module.

Core equipment includes:

• tractors (120–150 HP)

• windrow rake

• large square baler

• loader / telehandler

• biomass transport trucks

• crawler-mounted shredder.

This standardized equipment allows efficient operation across both rice and sugarcane landscapes.

Field Collection System

Sugarcane residue collection typically occurs after mechanical harvesting.

The collection process involves several coordinated steps.

1. Residue Gathering
   Sugarcane leaves and tops are gathered into rows using agricultural rakes or windrowers.

2. Residue Conditioning
   Depending on moisture levels and field conditions, residues may be prepared for baling or shredding.

3. Shredding or Baling
   Biomass can be compressed into bales or shredded leaving on the field to improve soil.

4. Loading and Transport
   Loaders collect biomass from the field and transfer it to transport trucks.

This mechanized process allows residues from large sugarcane fields to be mobilized efficiently.

Aggregation and Storage

Collected sugarcane residues are transported to a regional biomass aggregation hub.

The aggregation hub serves as the logistics center for the module.

Typical hub infrastructure includes:

• biomass receiving yard

• processing area for shredding or compaction

• covered storage areas

• truck loading zones

• machinery yard and maintenance workshop

Because sugarcane residues can be more irregular and less dense than straw bales, proper handling and storage systems are important to maintain efficiency.

The aggregation hub allows residues from multiple farms to be consolidated and prepared for downstream use.

Logistics and Transport

Efficient transport systems are critical for large-scale biomass collection.

The module typically uses:

• tractors and loaders for field handling

• biomass transport trucks and trailers

• machinery transport vehicles

These logistics systems connect sugarcane fields with the aggregation hub and downstream processing facilities.

Downstream Utilization

Once collected and aggregated, sugarcane residues can support several circular utilization pathways.

These include:

• organic compost production

• biomethane production from anaerobic digestion

• renewable fuels such as bioCNG or bioLNG

• bio-based materials derived from agricultural biomass

Organized residue collection allows sugarcane landscapes to contribute to circular bioeconomy systems.

Environmental Impact

The Sugarcane Leaves Collection Module supports several environmental benefits.

These include:

• reducing open-field burning of sugarcane residues

• improving air quality in agricultural regions

• reducing methane and other greenhouse gas emissions

• enabling circular biomass utilization.

Processing System

Typical processing steps include:

1. receiving wet pulp from starch processing facilities

2. mechanical dewatering using screw press filtration

3. conveyor transfer of dewatered pulp

4. direct loading into transport trucks.

Dewatered pulp typically contains 60–65% moisture.

Processing Capacity

Standard module capacity:

5–10 tonnes of wet cassava pulp per hour

Typical output after dewatering:

2.5–6 tonnes per hour of dewatered pulp

Annual processing capacity:

7,500 – 18,000 tonnes of dewatered biomass per module

Cassava Pulp Recovery

Cassava pulp is produced at starch factories during the starch extraction process.

Rather than allowing pulp to accumulate or degrade near the factory, the module establishes a structured recovery system.

The process includes:

1. Pulp Reception
   Wet cassava pulp is received directly from the factory processing line.

2. Mechanical Dewatering
   A screw press filtration system reduces moisture content to improve handling and transport efficiency.

3. Material Transfer
   Conveyors move dewatered pulp toward loading points or temporary storage.

4. Truck Loading
   Pulp is loaded directly into trucks for transport to downstream facilities.

In many cases, the dewatering system can be mounted on a mobile platform that can serve multiple starch factories.

Temporary Storage

In most cases, cassava pulp should be transported quickly after dewatering.

However, short-term storage capacity may be required to balance logistics.

Typical buffer storage infrastructure includes:

• covered concrete pads

• tarpaulin-covered biomass piles

• drainage channels to manage liquid runoff.

Storage periods are typically short to maintain biomass quality.

Logistics and Transport

Transport systems connect starch factories with biomass utilization facilities.

Typical logistics equipment includes:

• dump trucks or walking-floor trailers

• loaders for material handling

• conveyors for loading operations.

These systems allow cassava pulp to move efficiently into downstream processing.

Downstream Utilization

Dewatered cassava pulp can support several circular utilization pathways including:

• organic compost production

• livestock feed applications

• biomethane production through anaerobic digestion

• renewable fuels such as biomethane or bioLNG.

The Cassava Pulp Collection Module helps transform an agro-processing by-product into a valuable biomass resource.

Environmental Benefits

Organized cassava pulp recovery contributes to:

• improved organic waste management in agro-processing industries

• methane emission reduction from unmanaged residues

• circular biomass utilization within regional bioeconomy systems.

Module 4A – Pig Manure Recovery

Pig manure is typically collected as slurry.

The module uses mechanical separation systems to separate solids and liquids.

Typical equipment includes:

• slurry pumps

• feed tanks

• screw press separators

• solid manure storage pads

• transport trucks.

Standard system capacity:

10–20 cubic meters per hour of slurry input

Module 4B – Cattle Manure Collection

Cattle manure is usually handled in semi-solid form.

Typical operations include:

• manure scraping or collection

• loader handling

• transport to compost or biomass facilities.

Annual module capacity:

20,000 – 40,000 tonnes of manure per year

Module 4C – Poultry Manure Collection

Poultry manure is typically drier and nutrient-rich.

Collection systems include:

• loader-based collection

• covered manure storage

• bulk transport to biomass utilization facilities.

Annual module capacity:

10,000 – 25,000 tonnes per year

Logistics and Transport

Transport equipment connects livestock farms with biomass utilization facilities.

Typical logistics assets include:

• manure transport trucks

• loaders and material handling equipment

• pumping systems for slurry transport.

These logistics systems allow manure to move efficiently within biomass supply chains.

Downstream Utilization

Recovered manure can support several circular utilization pathways including:

• organic compost production

• biomethane production through anaerobic digestion

• renewable fuels derived from biomethane

• nutrient recycling in regenerative agriculture.

By organizing manure supply chains, the module transforms livestock waste into valuable agricultural and energy resources.

Rice Straw Collection Module#1

Service Capacity

Typical collection capacity:

20,000 – 30,000 tonnes of rice straw per year

Service radius:

30–50 km

Machinery

Field Equipment

• 2 tractors (120–150 HP)

• 1 windrow rake

• 1 large square baler (600 kg bales)

Handling Equipment

• 1 loader / telehandler

Transport Equipment

• 1 low-bed truck (transport of field machinery)

• 1 electric truck tractor

• 1 biomass trailer

Site Equipment

• bale handling equipment

• fire prevention equipment

• moisture measurement tools

Land Required

Typical land area:

6–8 rai (≈ 1–1.3 hectares)

Main infrastructure:

• straw bale yard

• covered straw storage shed

• machinery yard

• truck loading area

• small workshop and office

Storage capacity:

3,000–5,000 tonnes

Staffing

Typical operational team:

Position Number

Field supervisor 1

Tractor operators 2

Baler operator 1

Loader operator 1

Truck drivers 2

Yard manager 1

Administration 1

Total: 8–9 staff

CAPEX

Typical capital investment:

Item Cost (USD)

Field machinery $325,000

Transport equipment $245,000

Loader $90,000

Straw storage shed $250,000

Site preparation $120,000

Total CAPEX ≈ $1.0 – 1.1 million

OPEX (Annual)

Typical annual operating cost:

Category Estimate

Labor $90,000

Fuel / electricity $60,000

Maintenance $70,000

Transport logistics $90,000

Administration $40,000

Total OPEX ≈ $350,000/year

Cassava Pulp Collection Module#3

Service Capacity

Typical processing capacity:

60,000 – 80,000 tonnes wet cassava pulp/year

Source:

cassava starch factories

Machinery

Processing Equipment

• trailer-mounted screw press filter

• feed hopper

• inclined conveyor

• discharge conveyor

Handling Equipment

• 1 loader

Transport Equipment

• 3–4 dump trucks

Support Equipment

• generator or electrical supply system

• drainage and leachate control

Land Required

Typical land area:

4–6 rai

Infrastructure:

• concrete unloading pad

• covered short-term storage area

• truck loading zone

• drainage system

Staffing

Position Number

Operations supervisor 1

Processing operators 2

Loader operator 1

Truck drivers 3

Admin 1

Total: 7–8 staff

CAPEX

Item Cost

Mobile screw press system $200,000

Conveyors $70,000

Loader $90,000

Trucks $320,000

Site preparation $120,000

Total CAPEX ≈ $750,000 – 800,000

OPEX (Annual)

Category Estimate

Labor $80,000

Fuel / electricity $70,000

Maintenance $60,000

Transport logistics $120,000

Administration $40,000

Total OPEX ≈ $370,000/year

The standardized bioMASS modules create a scalable infrastructure platform capable of organizing agricultural residues and organic biomass into structured supply chains.

Together, these modules support circular biomass utilization pathways such as:

• organic compost production

• renewable biofuels including biomethane, bioCNG, and bioLNG

• bio-based materials

• regenerative agriculture systems.

By deploying multiple modules across agricultural regions, the bioMASS platform enables large-scale biomass aggregation and forms the foundation of circular bioeconomy development.

Standard bioMASS Modules ROI Table 

Module # Capacity (t/year) CAPEX (USD) Annual Profit (USD) ROI (%) Payback (years)

1 Rice Straw 20,000–30,000 $1.1M $220k–$270k 20–25% 4–5 yrs

2 Cane Leaves 8,000–18,000 $900k $170k–$200k 18–22% 4.5–5.5 yrs

3 Cassava Pulp 15,000–30,000 (wet) $650k $100k–$130k 15–20% 5–7 yrs

4A Pig Manure 20,000–50,000 $450k $110k–$150k 25–33% 3–4 yrs

4B Cattle Manure 20,000–40,000 $500k $120k–$150k 24–30% 3–4 yrs

4C Poultry Manure 10,000–25,000 $420k $140k–$180k 33–42% 2.5–3 yrs

BioSupplyChain Standard Modules

Estimated methane mitigation potential based on typical biomass quantities recovered and avoided anaerobic decomposition.

Module Biomass processed (t/year) Estimated methane reduction (tCO₂e/year)

Module 1

Rice Straw Collection 20,000–30,000 1,500 – 3,000

Module 2 

Sugarcane Leaves Collection 8,000–18,000 800 – 1,800

Module 3 

Cassava Pulp Recovery 25,000–60,000 (wet) 2,500 – 5,000

Module 4A 

Pig Manure Collection 20,000–50,000 3,000 – 8,000

Module 4B 

Cattle Manure Collection 20,000–40,000 1,500 – 3,500

Module 4C  

Poultry Manure Collection 10,000–25,000 800 – 2,000

Module 5 

bioCOMPOST 15,000–25,000 1,000 – 3,000

Cost per tonne Methane Reduced

Estimated project cost effectiveness based on module CAPEX.

Module CAPEX (USD) Methane reduction (tCO₂e/year) Cost per tCO₂e (first year)

Rice Straw $1.1M 2,000 $550/tCO₂e

Sugarcane Leaves $900k 1,200 $750/tCO₂e

Cassava Pulp $650k 3,500 $185/tCO₂e

Pig Manure $450k 5,000 $90/tCO₂e

Cattle Manure $500k 2,500 $200/tCO₂e

Poultry Manure $420k 1,500 $280/tCO₂e

bioCOMPOST $420k 2,000 $210/tCO₂e

Lifetime Cost Effectiveness

If equipment lifetime = 10 years

Module Cost per tCO₂e (10-year basis)

Rice Straw $55/tCO₂e

Sugarcane Leaves $75/tCO₂e

Cassava Pulp $18/tCO₂e

Pig Manure $9/tCO₂e

Cattle Manure $20/tCO₂e

Poultry Manure $28/tCO₂e

bioCOMPOST $21/tCO₂e