CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN AGRIBUSINESS: UTILIZATION OF PADDY RICE AGRICULTURAL WASTE AS A SOURCE OF ADDED VALUE

The paddy rice agribusiness sector generates massive quantities of by-products and residues annually, including rice straw, rice husk, rice bran, and other organic materials. These residues, if left unmanaged, contribute to environmental degradation through open burning, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil contamination. However, within the circular economy framework, these agricultural wastes represent significant untapped resources for value-added product development. This paper reviews the concept and application of circular economy principles in paddy rice agribusiness, analyzing valorization pathways for rice agricultural waste across energy production, material science, food processing, and agri-food supply chains. Key by-products examined include rice straw (biochar, biofuel, biomaterials), rice husk (silica, biochar, energy), and rice bran (functional food ingredients, biodiesel). The study draws on recent literature spanning 2021–2025 to identify technological innovations, challenges, and future perspectives in rice waste valorization. The circular bioeconomy approach offers agribusinesses viable pathways to reduce environmental burdens while simultaneously generating economic value, contributing to sustainable development goals and food system resilience

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