In a significant stride in strengthening the use of sustainable energy, 76 farmers who constructed biogas plants under our project received subsidies from the government. Humana People to People India initiated the Project Biogas as Renewable Energy Sources in Indian Villages in collaboration with UFF Finland and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Finland in Dausa, Rajasthan in 2010. Subsequently, the project expanded to Alwar and Sikar Districts of Rajasthan, and farther into Haryana, resulting in the successful construction and operation of around 1,400 household-sized biogas plants.

The government’s subsidy support has been a crucial aid for farmers in constructing these biogas plants. However, the government support was discontinued in October 2020 for individual farmers, only to be reinstated in November 2022 after extensive discussions. The government’s support scheme is offering Rs 14,350 for 2 and 3 cum plants and Rs 22,750 for 6 cum plants. Recently, 76 farmers who constructed biogas plants in due time received approximately Rs 1,140,000 in subsidies from the government.

The biogas project has yielded multiple benefits, including improved health as the replacement of traditional chulhas with biogas stoves has resulted in better hygiene for women and children and decreased medical expenses. Families using biogas have more time and resources, leading to better development for children, increased savings and reduced fuel costs for cooking. Furthermore, the use of biogas slurry as a by-product reduces cultivation costs and enhances soil fertility.

Despite being an early adopter of biogas production, India still lags behind in leading the world in biogas energy production. This gap can be largely attributed to implementation flaws. To fully harness the potential of biogas and its environmental benefits, it is crucial to prioritise ongoing investments, research and sustainable practices.