In Batman, Corn Stalks Once Burned as Waste Are Now Worth a Fortune

In Batman, in southeastern Türkiye, the tonnes of corn-stalk waste left in the fields after harvest used to be burned. Now they are collected and processed into biofuel feedstock. About 60,000 decares of corn are grown in the province, and the biomass left after harvest exceeds even the grain yield.

According to the Batman Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Directorate, an average of 50,000 tonnes of corn-stalk waste is brought into the economy each year. Over the past 3 years, 150,000 tonnes of stubble have been collected, preserving soil fertility and organic structure while giving farmers extra income from field waste.

Agreements between energy companies and farmers not only prevent stubble fires and pollution but also contribute to national energy production. It is cited as a model for agricultural waste management in the region.

This story interests us for two reasons. First: burning stubble damages soil organic structure, releases carbon and carries fire risk — turning waste into biofuel or compost feedstock is right both environmentally and economically. Second: in our own region there is field-edge stalk and residue too; our compost-facility plan (HOG-A) includes processing plant residues together with livestock manure. The Batman example shows that agricultural waste is not just a cost line but a revenue line.

Source: Sözcü, September 2026.