Union Cabinet approves Rs 23,731 crore GOBARdhan scheme for biogas production

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the GOBARdhan scheme on Thursday. The initiative is designed to establish a unified circular bioenergy framework with a total budget of Rs 23,731 crore. The program will be executed over a ten-year period starting in the 2026-27 financial year, focusing on the conversion of various organic waste materials, including agricultural waste, cattle dung, and municipal organic waste, into compressed biogas and organic manure.

This scheme aims to reduce India's reliance on imported fossil fuels by creating a reliable market for biogas producers through mechanisms such as assured offtake, price stability, and capital expenditure support. By fostering a full-market framework for bioenergy, the government intends to stimulate private investment and generate rural economic value. The initiative is expected to transform the country's waste management and energy sectors by integrating biogas as a significant component of the national energy mix.