New Delhi, 06 August (H.S.): The Central government has approved the National Circular Bioenergy Programme ‘Gobardhan’ with a total financial outlay of Rs 23,731 crore. The scheme aims to increase compressed biogas (CBG) production by nearly ten times and strengthen the country’s energy security.

The initiative seeks to convert India’s abundant agricultural residues, cattle dung, press mud, municipal organic waste and other biomass resources into clean fuel, organic fertilisers, rural income opportunities and national economic value.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Gobardhan scheme on Thursday. The programme will be implemented from the financial year 2026-27 to 2035-36 and aims to establish compressed biogas as a key pillar of India’s future energy mix.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared details of the scheme during a press conference at the National Media Centre on Thursday. He said the Gobardhan initiative is expected to provide fresh momentum to India’s clean energy economy.

Vaishnaw said the scheme targets nearly a tenfold increase in domestic CBG production, which will help reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen India’s energy self-reliance.

He added that provisions such as stable pricing mechanisms, capital support and credit guarantees will encourage greater participation from private investors, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives and rural entrepreneurs.

The scientific utilisation of agricultural residues, cattle dung and organic waste under the scheme will improve waste management, create new sources of income for farmers, boost organic fertiliser production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The integrated national framework will also help accelerate the implementation of projects across the country.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar