Overview
The CBG sector in India is poised for rapid growth after the Union Cabinet, on 9 August 2026, approved a revamped GOBARdhan programme with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore. The scheme, running until 2036, aims to increase CBG output almost ten‑fold. While the policy now offers a stable offtake framework, experts say the next priority is an efficient supply chain for feedstock procurement, storage and transport.
Key Developments
- Cabinet approval of the revamped GOBARdhan scheme with a budget of ₹23,731 crore until 2036.
- Emphasis on building a supply chain that can handle seasonal and logistical challenges of press mud, paddy straw, wheat straw and cattle dung.
- Industry leaders, including Gaurav Kedia of the Indian Biogas Association, stress proximity of plants to feedstock sources, recommending a 25‑km radius for press mud.
- Proposal of an aggregator‑based model to bridge farmers and CBG plants, also delivering bio‑slurry back to farms.
- Recommendation for plants to process multiple feedstocks to mitigate seasonal fluctuations and improve bargaining power.
Important Facts
- Press mud is generated only during the 4‑5 months sugar‑mill season and must be stored and moved quickly.
- Cattle dung has high moisture and requires a wide collection radius, making large‑scale procurement costly.
- Paddy straw is available mainly during Kharif and Rabi harvests; collection must be completed within about 15 days before the next sowing.
- Storage challenges include fire risk in summer and moisture damage during monsoon.
- Gas yield: cow dung ≈ 6 %, paddy straw and other residues ≈ 10 % or more; the resulting bio‑slurry can be sold to farmers as organic fertilizer.
Exam Relevance
The expanded GOBARdhan programme illustrates how the government integrates waste management, renewable energy and rural livelihoods—key themes in GS3: Economy and GS4: Ethics. Understanding the supply‑chain constraints of feedstock helps answer questions on energy security, climate mitigation and agricultural sustainability.
Way Forward
To realise the ten‑fold increase in CBG output, the government should:
- Promote regional aggregator networks that can quickly gather and store seasonal residues.
- Invest in low‑cost, fire‑safe storage facilities and moisture‑proof silos for straw and press mud.
- Encourage plant designs capable of processing a mix of press mud, animal dung and agricultural residues.
- Link CBG plants with farmer cooperatives to ensure a steady supply of bio‑slurry, creating a circular economy.
- Monitor and regularly update the GOBARdhan budget to address emerging logistical bottlenecks.
These steps will help India meet its renewable‑energy targets while supporting rural incomes and reducing agricultural waste burning.