India's GOBARdhan Scheme could reduce gas imports by $5 billion

The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) projects that the government's GOBARdhan Scheme could reduce India's natural gas import bill by $5 billion. The initiative, which has a financial outlay of ₹23,731 crore, focuses on converting organic waste, such as agricultural residue and cow dung, into clean energy through Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants.

Beyond energy, the scheme is expected to provide significant economic and environmental benefits. By producing Fermented Organic Manure (FOM) and liquid bio-slurry, the plants can reduce reliance on imported phosphatic and potassic fertilizers, potentially saving at least 5% on fertilizer imports.

The IBA describes the program as a "strategic national investment" rather than mere public expenditure, noting its potential to create rural employment, improve soil health, and mitigate air pollution by discouraging the open burning of biomass.