The urgent need for sustainable agricultural inputs has spurred interest in biopolymers such as cellulose-derived hydrogels for slow-release fertilizers (SRFs). This review evaluates different cellulose extraction techniques from corn cobs- an abundantly available agro-waste to assess their potential for hydrogel synthesis. Chemical, physical, biological and combined methods were analyzed, with focus on yield, cellulose purity, structural integrity, and environmental footprint While conventional methods like acid and alkali treatments are effective, they pose significant environmental issues due to use of heavy chemicals. In contrast, methods like microwave-aided and ultrasound-aided chemical extractions, green solvent setups and other combined treatment methods provide hopeful paths toward yielding cellulose possessing good traits for use as hydrogel precursor material.The urgent need for sustainable agricultural inputs has spurred interest in biopolymers such as cellulose-derived hydrogels for slow-release fertilizers (SRFs). This review evaluates different cellulose extraction techniques from corn cobs- an abundantly available agro-waste to assess their potential for hydrogel synthesis. Chemical, physical, biological and combined methods were analyzed, with focus on yield, cellulose purity, structural integrity, and environmental footprint While conventional methods like acid and alkali treatments are effective, they pose significant environmental issues due to use of heavy chemicals. In contrast, methods like microwave-aided and ultrasound-aided chemical extractions, green solvent setups and other combined treatment methods provide hopeful paths toward yielding cellulose possessing good traits for use as hydrogel precursor material.