Over 27,000 Biogas Plants Established; Indian Dairy Farmers Achieve 11,000 Carbon Credits
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) Over 27,000 household biogas plants have been set up in 19 states throughout the country as part of different schemes in the dairy sector, according to a statement released on Thursday.
Moreover, this household biogas initiative has played a crucial role in generating carbon credits for the dairy cooperative sector.
From this first initiative, a total of 11,000 carbon credits have been obtained by 1,040 farmers, enhancing farmer incomes and contributing towards the goal of achieving a circular economy, the statement highlighted.
These figures were presented by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) during a review meeting led by Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) Secretary Alka Upadhyaya on Wednesday.
In their presentation, the NDDB showcased three biogas generation models: the Zakariyapura Model (Household-level biogas-based Manure Value Chain), the Banaskantha Model (Dung-based large capacity biogas plant for producing Bio CBG and Organic Fertiliser), and the Varanasi Model (Dung-based large capacity biogas plant to meet steam and power needs of dairy plants).
These biogas plants are significantly contributing to the circular economy by promoting sustainable green fuel energy and generating organic fertilisers.
Currently, two large-scale dung-based CNG/Biogas plants with a total capacity of 140 MT/Day of dung are operational, with another 11 plants planned, having a combined capacity of 675 MT/Day.
Additionally, the NDDB has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Suzuki R&D Centre India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation. The primary goal of this MOU is to collaboratively design, develop, implement, and scale innovative business models that efficiently utilize cow dung as an energy source for transportation and as a nutrient-rich organic fertiliser, while also achieving carbon neutrality.
The DAHD Secretary urged dairy federations to actively engage in promoting a circular economy within the dairy sector and to seek benefits in collaboration with the NDDB. She noted that during the Department’s forthcoming conference on circularity in the dairy sector, each state should propose at least one biogas project to join the movement towards sustainability. This initiative will aid in minimizing the carbon footprint of the dairy sector while simultaneously boosting dairy farmers' incomes.
Discussions also encompassed the management of water within the dairy value chain and strategies for its efficient use. It was noted that integrating automation could significantly reduce water usage in processing plants, supporting the National Water Mission and the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
In conclusion, Upadhyaya emphasized the importance of benchmarking in the dairy industry to enhance efficiency, lower production costs, and reduce the industry's carbon footprint. Milk federations were instructed to expedite the formation of cooperative societies to improve milk procurement and integrate more milk into the organized sector, thereby elevating the social and economic standing of milk producers in India, the statement concluded.
