Gujarat Plans 20,000 More Biogas Plants Under GOBARdhan Scheme

Gandhinagar: The GOBARdhan Scheme under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) is changing the lives of livestock rearers and farmers across Gujarat. Since 2023–24, more than 14,000 biogas plants have become operational in 88 clusters across the state. During 2026–27, the government plans to set up another 20,000 individual biogas plants at an estimated cost of ₹25 crore, a press release said.

Recently, the Union Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme – GOBARdhan with a total outlay of ₹23,731 crore.

To ensure the effective implementation of the GOBARdhan scheme, Gujarat has adopted a cluster-based approach. In Phase I, 7,423 individual biogas plants were set up across 38 clusters with the support of agencies such as the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Amul, Banas Dairy, and Dudhsagar Dairy. In Phase II, fully funded by the state government, a target of 10,000 biogas plants was set across 50 clusters. In partnership with GCMMF and district milk unions, nearly 7,000 biogas plants have already been established. With this, more than 14,000 biogas plants are now operational across the state under the scheme’s first two phases.

Under the GOBARdhan Scheme, modern 2-cubic metre flexible biogas plants are being installed across Gujarat. Made from durable HDPE material, these plants are easy to install and require minimal maintenance. Each beneficiary receives a complete biogas kit, including a biodigester, geotextile sheet, gas pipe, H₂S filter, two-burner gas stove, pressure regulator valve, lighter, and other essential accessories.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), beneficiaries receive ₹25,000 in financial assistance to install a biogas plant, with the remaining ₹5,000 contributed by the beneficiaries.

Benefits of the GOBARdhan Scheme and Biogas Plants

According to a UNICEF survey, a 2-cubic metre biogas plant offers several annual benefits, including:

• Savings equivalent to 8–10 LPG cylinders.
• Scientific management of around 18,250 kg of livestock waste.
• Reduction of approximately 834 kg of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.
• Improved health for rural women by eliminating smoke from traditional cooking methods.
• Increased use of bio-slurry as organic manure, reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and promoting natural farming.

According to the press release, the state government is promoting the scientific management of cattle dung and organic waste to produce clean energy (biogas) and organic manure. This initiative is strengthening rural sanitation, advancing the vision of ODF Plus villages, and promoting renewable energy across Gujarat.

Cleanliness and Prosperity Through the GOBARdhan Scheme: The Story of Manjulaben Barad

Manjulaben Dedabhai Barad, a resident of Rangpur village in Sutrapada taluka of Gir Somnath district, belongs to a livestock-rearing family. Earlier, cattle dung was stored in the open, leading to unhygienic conditions, foul odour, and the breeding of flies and mosquitoes. During 2025–26, with support from the Government under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), a GOBARdhan biogas plant was installed at her residence.

Implemented under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) with support from Junagadh’s Savaj Dairy on behalf of GCMMF, the biogas plant is maintained by Manjulaben herself. The GOBARdhan plant converts cattle dung into clean biogas and organic manure (slurry), showcasing the “Waste to Wealth” concept. By using biogas for cooking and slurry in her fields, she has reduced the use of urea fertiliser. This initiative has provided her family with clean energy while encouraging other livestock rearers in the village to make better use of cattle dung and adopt cleaner sanitation practices. DeshGujarat