Rapid population growth has put unprecedented strain on global agricultural systems, intensifying concerns over food availability, environmental integrity and sustainable resource use. In order to meet the growing demand, agricultural production has expanded substantially, leading to a parallel increase in agricultural wastes (AWs), including crop residues, livestock manure, agro-industrial processing by-products, and aquaculture residues. Globally, agriculture generates nearly 998 million tonnes of waste annually, much of which remains underutilized or improperly managed. Such mismanagement contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, soil and water degradation, and elevated risks to human and ecosystem health. The adoption of circular economy principles provides a coherent framework for redefining AWs as secondary resources rather than environmental liabilities. Recent advances in biological, biochemical, and thermochemical technologies have enabled the efficient transformation of agricultural residues into bioenergy, organic fertilizers, bioplastics, bio-based construction materials, enzymes, and other high-value products. These approaches improve material efficiency, reduce reliance on fossil-derived inputs, and support climate change mitigation with the assist of artificial intelligence (AI). Beyond environmental gains, sustainable valorization of AWs offers substantial socioeconomic benefits by enhancing farm income, generating rural employment opportunities. This review synthesizes recent progress in agricultural waste management (AWM) and valorization strategies, emphasizing technological innovations, sustainability performance, and economic importance. It highlights the essential role of AW valorization in advancing the United Nations sustainable development goals and fostering sustainability.
Mawthoh et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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