Gandhinagar: To promote clean fuel, the central government has implemented the Gobar-Dhan Yojana (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan Yojana), focusing on cleanliness and sustainable development in rural areas. Under this scheme, the central and state governments provide a subsidy of ₹37,000 to establish biogas plants. These biogas plants are providing alternative energy sources, a clean environment, health benefits, and employment opportunities to rural areas. Today, more than 7,200 biogas plants are operational in the state, contributing to the prosperity of livestock owners. Additionally, these plants are helping reduce traditional fuel costs and improving the health of the people.

It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the nationwide ‘Swachhata Hi Seva – 2024’ campaign from 17 September to 31 October, aiming to accelerate cleanliness programs across the country. As the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign progresses nationwide, the biogas plants established under the Gobar-Dhan Yojana are also contributing by producing clean fuel and promoting a cleaner environment.

What is the Gobar (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) Dhan Yojana?

The Gobar-Dhan Yojana is part of the Government of India’s comprehensive biogas program. It was launched on 1 November 2018 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti – Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. The goal of this scheme is to convert organic waste like cattle dung, agricultural residues, and other organic waste into biogas, compressed biogas (CBG), or bio-CNG. This biogas can be used for cooking and generating electricity. The scheme not only ensures effective waste management but also supports renewable energy production, increases cleanliness, provides farmers with a new source of income, and encourages sustainable agricultural practices. To avail of this scheme, a person must own at least two livestock animals.

Subsidy of ₹37,000 for Biogas Plants from Central and State Governments

For the establishment of biogas plants, both the central and state governments provide a subsidy of ₹37,000 per unit. For each 2-cubic-meter-capacity biogas plant, the beneficiary’s contribution is ₹5,000, while the central and state government share ₹25,000, and ₹12,000 comes from MNREGA (for digging pits and slurry consolidation). Thus, a biogas plant is set up at a total cost of ₹42,000, with the beneficiary needing to invest only ₹5,000. Banas Dairy, Sabar Dairy, Doodh Sagar Dairy, Amul Dairy, and NDDB have been appointed as implementing agencies for these biogas plants.

200 Individual Biogas Plants Established in Each of the 33 Districts

Under Phase-2 of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), 200 individual biogas plants have been established in clusters in each of the 33 districts. Against the target of 7,600 biogas plants in the state, a total of 7,276 have been installed to date. In 2022-23, ₹50 lakh per district (in a 60% central and 40% state ratio) was allocated for these biogas plants. Currently, 97% of the individual biogas plants under the Gobar-Dhan Project are operational in Gujarat, while work on cluster biogas plants is still in progress.

Savings on Fuel and Improved Taste of Food

Biogas produced from organic waste can be used for cooking, leading to fuel savings and improved taste. According to a survey conducted by Sabar Dairy, 100% of families agreed that food cooked with biogas tastes better. Additionally, 87% of families acknowledged that biogas cooking is significantly faster compared to wood or LPG. Another advantage of cooking with biogas is that cleaning utensils afterward becomes easier.
A key benefit is the positive impact on health. Before the installation of biogas plants, individuals had to deal with smoke in the kitchen, eye infections, respiratory infections, and diseases caused by flies and mosquitoes. However, after the installation of biogas plants, these health issues have significantly decreased. Considering all these benefits, the Gujarat government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has planned to establish 10,000 more plants across 50 additional clusters.

New Income Sources Along with Savings

The use of naturally produced biogas has reduced expenses on LPG cylinders. The pollution caused by burning wood has also stopped. The slurry from these biogas plants is odor-free and can be used as organic fertilizer, allowing farmers to practice organic farming. A cooperative society can be formed to sell this organic fertilizer, increasing income. Women from self-help groups have become self-reliant through fertilizer cooperatives and have found new employment opportunities.