Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil Pushes for Rs 1,000 Crore Plan to Establish 20 CBG Plants in Gujarat

Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil, recently held a meeting with the Chairpersons and Managing Directors of milk cooperatives and dairies in Gujarat. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the establishment of Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants. These plants are designed to convert cattle dung and other organic waste into sustainable energy and organic manure, supporting the government's vision of turning waste into wealth.

Highlighting the importance of the dairy sector in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability, Patil stressed the dual benefits of environmental preservation and economic growth. He pointed out that converting organic waste from dairy operations into CBG would significantly reduce carbon emissions while fostering self-sustaining energy systems in rural areas. “India’s dairy sector has been a cornerstone of rural livelihoods. By embracing green technologies like CBG production, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also create new revenue streams for farmers and cooperatives, including availing carbon credits,” Patil remarked.

Gujarat, with a bovine population of over 2.01 crore as per the 2019 Livestock Census, produces approximately 2 lakh tons of cattle dung daily. This positions state as a key player in green energy production, with the potential to generate 4,000 tonnes of CBG daily. Such an initiative could revolutionize Gujarat’s energy sector while supporting the broader vision of sustainability.

During the meeting, detailed discussions explored leveraging cattle waste for bio-CBG production, fostering partnerships between cooperatives, private entities, and government agencies, and ensuring financial and technical support through existing schemes. A commitment was made to establish over 20 CBG plants and more than 30,000 individual biogas units in Gujarat, with an investment exceeding Rs 1,000 crores.

The event saw participation from cooperative leaders ready to adopt eco-friendly practices. Patil urged stakeholders to collaborate actively to meet India's energy and sustainability goals, leveraging government schemes to make the dairy sector a cornerstone of the green revolution.

Senior officials from various ministries and departments, including the GOBARdhan initiative, also attended, underlining the government’s steadfast commitment to renewable energy and innovative sustainable development.