Study Regarding Domestic Biogas Plants in Selected Villages of Kurukshetra, Haryana (India)

Abstract

In order to contribute India’s overall development the rural sector of the country must be given proper attention. Providing clean energy through sustainable use of clean fuels for cooking in rural households to promote the quality of life is one such area to be focused. In this, context biogas is one of the environmentally sound options which can be generated by regionally available raw materials and livestock waste. The use of agricultural substrates to produce biogas and electricity has grown tremendously in the recent past. To promote and disseminate information about biogas technology, the Indian government has organized National Projects time to time on Biogas Development and several NGO’s have been active in implementing the programmes. The present study investigated the opportunities of biogas production in selected villages of Kurukshetra, Haryana. A survey based study was carried out to evaluate the benefits, popularity, financial assistance and problems associated with biogas generation. Rural household survey showed an overwhelming response by the farmers in favour of domestic biogas plants. Most biogas plants built were of Deenbandhu model and cattle waste was used as common feedstock for biogas production. In addition to biogas, useful soil conditioner and manure have been obtained from the residual slurry. Study revealed that majority of the plants built were functioning satisfactorily, providing domestic energy and improving hygienic conditions in respective houses. However, certain challenges of reduced efficiency during winter, insufficient cattle dung and lack of skilled manpower were reported by the users which needed to be rectified accordingly.

Keywords: Biogas, biogas plant, rural areas, cattle dung