India’s First Cooperative Compressed Biogas Plant Launched

The inauguration of India’s first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Kopargaon, Maharashtra marks step towards sustainable energy and rural development. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals of self-reliance in agriculture and green energy. The plant is part of a larger scheme to modernise sugar mills and support farmers through new technologies and policies.

Cooperative CBG Plant Inauguration

The CBG plant was inaugurated at Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana. It will produce 12 tons of Compressed Biogas daily and 75 tons of potash from jaggery/molasses. This plant reduces India’s dependence on imports of these products. The project involved an investment of around ₹55 crore. It is the first of its kind in India’s cooperative sugar mill sector, setting a precedent for others.

Government Support and Expansion Plans

The central government plans to support 15 more sugar mills to establish similar CBG and potash production units. This will be aided by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). The aim is to promote a circular economy in sugar mills, making them more sustainable and profitable. Maharashtra, where cooperative sugar factories originated, is the starting point for this initiative.

Farmer Welfare Initiatives

The government launched the ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ with a budget of ₹11,340 crore over six years. This mission aims to make India self-reliant in pulses such as arhar, urad, and masoor. Farmers registering with cooperative federations will have their entire pulse crop procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The government will also distribute 38 lakh high-quality seed kits and establish 1,000 processing units.

Minimum Support Price (MSP) Enhancements

Recent Cabinet decisions have increased MSP for several crops including masoor, mustard, gram, barley, and wheat. Over the past 11 years, MSPs for jowar, bajra, tur, moong, soybean, and cotton have doubled or more. These measures aim to improve farmer incomes and encourage crop diversification.

GST Reforms Benefiting Farmers

GST rates have been reduced to 5% on essential farm equipment such as tractors, harvesters, sprinklers, and drip irrigation systems. Organic pesticides and natural menthol now also attract lower GST. These reforms reduce input costs for farmers and support sustainable agricultural practices.

Promotion of Circular Economy in Sugar Mills

The Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe cooperative sugar factory exemplifies a circular economy model. It integrates ethanol, biogas, and potash production, maximising resource use. The government encourages all profit-making sugar factories to diversify into fruit processing and other allied activities. This boosts rural employment and farm incomes.

Empowerment and Rural Development Efforts

The Sanjeevani Group has initiated green energy projects and women’s self-help groups. It has integrated 100 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies and started fisheries for 1,000 farmers. Sanjeevani University educates 20,000 students, and India’s first rural call centre provides jobs locally. These efforts support rural empowerment and economic growth.

Focus on Indigenous Products and Environment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges citizens to adopt swadeshi products to strengthen the economy. The government aims to elevate India to the world’s top economic ranks through self-reliance. A tree-planting pledge for mothers and Mother Earth has been promoted to combat climate change and global warming.