Yet, this waste story is being rewritten, infused with an eco-friendly narrative that holds promise. Enter innovative technologies and forward-thinking practices, casting livestock waste in the role of a renewable resource. The biogas produced is a renewable powerhouse can light up homes, fuel vehicles, and power industries. This metamorphosis of waste into energy not only slashes greenhouse gas emissions but also offers a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

But the plot thickens further. The leftover slurry from this microbial soup is rich in nutrients, serving as a potent fertiliser. Farms that once grappled with waste disposal are now cultivating nutrient-rich fields, bolstering crop yields and soil health. This resourceful twist is flipping the script on waste management.

For all its promise, the journey from problem to resource is not without hurdles. Technical, financial, and regulatory challenges can hinder the widespread adoption of waste-to-energy practices. Striking a balance between the demands of sustainable waste management and the realities of the agricultural sector requires deft policy crafting and cross-sector collaboration.

Governments and industries are beginning to recognise the dual nature of livestock waste, offering incentives and support to farmers willing to embrace change. This shift underscores a fundamental truth: waste, when harnessed wisely, can be a catalyst for positive transformation.

So the question is - Is livestock waste a bane or a boon❓ The answer, it seems, lies in our collective approach. With innovation, foresight, and a commitment to sustainability, we can steer this narrative towards a more promising ending.

• Babasaheb M. Matsagar, Kevin C.-W. Wu, in Biochar in Agriculture for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals, 2022
• Şebnem Yılmaz Balaman, in Decision-Making for Biomass-Based Production Chains, 2019
• Charles P. Gerba, Ian L. Pepper, in Environmental Microbiology (Second Edition), 2009