Processing of RSS has recorded high emission values over CR. Processing of CR is mainly based on electric power
based machineries whilst the main production procedure (drying) of RSS is achieved by burning of firewood. Under
Sri Lankan conditions, inefficient firewood furnaces are still in use and this would be the cause for recording higher
emission values for RSS production. Usage of renewable energy based electricity and solar power for such energy
operations could address this inefficiency.
Being a C4 plant with highly efficient photosynthesis system, cultivation of sugarcane was expected to have
negative carbon footprint. This means cultivation and processing processes emit more carbon than what sequestered
by the crop. Therefore, sugarcane cannot be grown for mitigation option for climate change. As a solution,
sugarcane could be cultivated with a perennial crop like rubber to have a carbon negative system.
In this analyses, carbon emission from firewood burning (in furnace) was counted as the source of produce was not
clear. In the case of obtaining firewood from renewable sources, net emission could be further reduced making
higher negative value for carbon footprint.