The center government announced on Jnauary 23, the successful establishment of 198 green energy plants in the current fiscal year. Under the ambitious Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) scheme, these plants, comprising 12 Compressed Biogas (CBG) and 186 biogas facilities, aim to transform agricultural waste, particularly cow dung, into valuable resources. With an additional 556 plants – 129 CBG and 427 biogas – in progress, the initiative is poised to boost farmers' income and create a circular economy.
GOBARdhan Scheme Progress on the Ground
The government's commitment to the GOBARdhan scheme materialised with the establishment of 198 green energy plants in the current fiscal year, marking a significant step towards utilising agricultural and allied sector waste for higher market value. Among these, 12 plants are dedicated to producing Compressed Biogas (CBG), while 186 focus on biogas generation.
Budget 2023-24 Allocation
The Finance Minister, during the Budget 2023-24, announced a substantial investment of Rs 10,000 crore for the establishment of 500 new "waste to wealth" plants under the GOBARdhan scheme. This initiative aims to convert biodegradable and organic waste, including cattle dung and agricultural residues, into valuable resources such as biogas, CBG, and organic manure.
GOBARdhan Scheme and Government's Holistic Approach
The GOBARdhan scheme reflects a holistic "Whole of Government" approach, seeking to promote a circular economy by converting biodegradable waste into valuable resources. The initiative targets the effective utilisation of organic waste, contributing to environmental sustainability and increased income for farmers.
Green Initiatives Regulatory Support and Incentives
In the last nine months, the government has implemented several measures to support and incentivise the GOBARdhan initiative. These include central excise duty exemption for CNG blended with CBG, amendments to the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), and exemptions for the sale of Fermented Organic Manure (FOM) to boost its adoption as a crop nutrient.
Focus on Soil Health and Farm Productivity
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has played a pivotal role in promoting the utilisation of Bioslurry in various cropping systems. Additionally, a comprehensive package of practices has been developed for the application of FOM and LFOM to enhance soil health and improve farm productivity.
Market Development Assistance and Policy Extensions
To encourage organic farming, the government has approved the Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme, incentivising the sale and marketing of FOM and LFOM. Furthermore, policy extensions such as the ten-year continuation of the CBG-CGD synchronisation scheme and the mandatory 5 percent CBG blending, approved by the National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC), emphasise the commitment to strengthen CBG production and consumption.
