ICRISAT scientists have been individually innovative in developing biofuel opportunities. Having demonstrated the potential, ICRISAT is now broadening its thinking into a holistic, pro-poor bio-energy approach, represented by the term BioPower. All aspects of the energy cycle relevant to the poor will be considered, including bio-energy generation for rural needs, the recycling of bio-wastes, social, institutional and economic dimensions of bio-energy, environmental impacts, sustainability and other important issues.

ICRISAT will not itself address all aspects of these issues, but the holistic bio-energy systems perspective will provide the right perspective for strategic planning and action. It will also provide the framework for building synergistic partnerships with other institutions that have comparative advantages to tackle different aspects of pro-poor bio-energy systems.

A pro-poor, integrated bio-energy systems approach — BioPower — fits the spirit of ICRISAT’s integrated genetic and natural resource management approach. It looks at needs through the eyes of the poor, who must each day strike balances, manage risks, seek synergies, and make choices amidst a wide range of livelihood needs, opportunities, capacities and constraints.

The links below give additional overview material about BioPower.