Compressed Biogas Plant Launch

India has launched its first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Kopargaon, Maharashtra. This is a big step toward renewable energy, green energy, and sustainable rural development. The plant also supports farmers and helps India become self-reliant in energy and agriculture.

What is the Plant About?

The plant is located at Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana.

It will produce:

• 12 tons of Compressed Biogas (CBG) daily

• 75 tons of potash from jaggery and molasses

This reduces India’s dependence on imports and provides extra income for farmers. The project cost around ₹55 crore. It is the first cooperative biogas project in India, setting an example for others.

Government Support and Expansion

The government plans to support 15 more sugar mills to make similar compressed biogas plants. This will be helped by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). These projects aim to promote a circular economy in the biogas industry, making sugar mills more profitable and sustainable.

Farmer Welfare Initiatives

The government launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses with ₹11,340 crore for six years. This mission focuses on crops like arhar, urad, and masoor.

Farmers in cooperatives will get:

• Full purchase of pulse crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP)

• 38 lakh high-quality seed kits

• 1,000 new processing units

MSP for many crops has been increased, helping farmers earn more and encouraging crop diversification.

GST Reforms for Farmers

GST rates are now 5% on important farm equipment like tractors, harvesters, sprinklers, and drip irrigation. Organic pesticides and natural menthol also have lower GST. This reduces costs and supports biofuel and organic gas production.

Circular Economy in Sugar Mills

The Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe sugar factory shows a circular economy model.

It combines:

• Ethanol production

• Compressed Biogas (CBG) production

• Potash production

This helps use all resources efficiently. The government encourages other sugar factories to diversify into fruit processing and allied activities. This creates jobs and increases sustainable rural energy.

Rural Empowerment

The Sanjeevani Group is also working on:

• Green energy projects

• Women’s self-help groups

• Fisheries for 1,000 farmers

• Education for 20,000 students through Sanjeevani University

• India’s first rural call centre

These initiatives help rural areas grow economically and socially while promoting biogas technology in India.

Focus on Environment and Indigenous Products

Prime Minister Narendra Modi encourages using swadeshi products. A tree-planting pledge has been promoted to fight climate change. Using CBG as an alternative to LPG and other biofuels supports environmental sustainability.

Final Thoughts

India has inaugurated its first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Kopargaon, Maharashtra, advancing renewable energy and sustainable rural development. The plant will produce 12 tons of compressed biogas daily and 75 tons of potash from jaggery and molasses, reducing imports and supporting farmers.

The government plans to set up similar compressed biogas plants in 15 more sugar mills, promoting a circular economy in the biogas industry.

Farmers benefit from schemes like the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, higher MSPs, and reduced GST on farm equipment, supporting biofuel and sustainable fuel production.