UP Govt to install biogas plants in 1 Lakh rural households

The state government of Uttar Pradesh is set to launch an ambitious initiative amalgamating cow protection, generation of clean energy and making rural areas self-reliant. The government has planned to install mini biogas plants in more than one lakh rural households across the state.

The proposal has been prepared by the Uttar Pradesh Gauseva Commission that aims to encourage families to convert cow dung and organic waste into biogas or clean cooking fuel.

The cost of installing each mini biogas plant is estimated to range between Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000. The scheme aligns with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s focus on cow protection and sustainable rural development.

The biogas project is expected to reduce dependence on LPG cylinders while also supporting rural livelihoods. The biogas initiative could significantly cut household spending on cooking gas while providing a reliable and sustainable energy source for rural families.

In addition to generating fuel, the biogas plants will produce slurry, a nutrient-rich byproduct that can be used as organic manure. This is expected to help farmers reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, lower input costs and improve soil health of their farms. The availability of organic manure is also expected to promote chemical-free farming practices and open up new income opportunities.

Farmers can either use the slurry on their fields or sell it, creating an additional revenue stream alongside cattle rearing.

UP On Rise

Last year, the state government announced that biogas units will be installed in 2.5 lakh rural households across the state under the Chief Minister’s Gram Urja Model. The scheme was expected to kick off with a pilot phase in four districts—Ayodhya, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Gonda—where 2,250 household biogas units will be set up initially.

With regards to major CBG plants in the state, Uttar Pradesh is leading in India with about 37 operational plants producing roughly 237 tons of biogas daily.