Biogas and Organic Fertilizer Initiative in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, Transforms Rural Energy Use

Doda, September 8 (Daily Kiran) : A remarkable initiative in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, is utilizing cow dung to produce biogas and organic fertilizer. The Govardhan unit has introduced a sustainable energy model for rural communities. Local beneficiaries, along with Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Mohammad Afaki, have shared their insights on this transformative project.

One beneficiary expressed gratitude, calling the biogas plant a “gift” from the government. He highlighted that the project is fully subsidized, allowing households to generate cooking gas without the need for firewood. Each morning, villagers contribute two baskets of dung, which is converted into gas throughout the day. “It’s a joy for our village,” he said, noting the unexpected benefit of receiving free gas at home.

The biogas plant currently supports 25 to 30 households, with a trial operation involving 15 homes. The beneficiary explained that by adding dung three times a day, they could potentially serve up to 35 households. He emphasized that the gas production is directly linked to the amount of dung collected. With global conflicts affecting gas supplies, this local solution has provided relief to the community.

Additionally, he mentioned that as they feed the plant with dung, companies have expressed interest in purchasing the waste for fertilizer at 25 rupees per kilogram. This means that the village can rely on its own resources, eliminating the need for external fertilizers. “This initiative can sustain not just one family but the entire village,” he added, expressing optimism about future growth and productivity.

ACD Mohammad Afaki reported that currently, 15 households are receiving cooking gas. The project, which has a budget of approximately 4 million rupees, is in its trial phase and has already proven successful. He aims to replicate this model in other blocks, taking advantage of the large number of livestock in rural areas, which provides ample cow dung for biogas production.

The initiative in Doda is setting a precedent for sustainable energy solutions in rural India, showcasing how local resources can be harnessed for community benefit.