The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has installed over 27,000 household biogas plants in 19 states, generating carbon credits for dairy cooperatives. The initiative has helped farmers earn carbon credits, boosting their incomes and promoting a circular economy. The NDDB has demonstrated three models of biogas generation, including the Zakariyapura, Banaskantha, and Varanasi models. Two large-capacity dung-based CNG/Biogas plants are already operational, with 11 more under development. The NDDB has also partnered with Suzuki R&D Centre India to develop innovative business models for utilising cow dung as a source of energy and organic fertilizer.
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying Secretary, Alka Upadhyaya, advised dairy federations to work on a circular economy, with at least one biogas project per state. This will reduce the dairy sector’s carbon footprint and enhance farmer incomes. Discussions also focused on efficient water utilization in the dairy value chain, with automation potentially reducing water consumption at processing plants. The meeting concluded with a call to benchmark dairy industry practices to improve efficiency and reduce costs, and to expedite the formation of cooperative societies to increase milk procurement and improve milk producers’ social and economic status.