GOBARDHAN INITIATIVE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 - Agriculture)

Context: The GOBARdhan initiative of the Union Government which aims to transform “Waste to Wealth” using a “Whole of Government” approach has started stimulating investments and reaping good results by creating a nurturing ecosystem for Compressed Biogas (CBG)/Biogas through a slew of policy enablers and attractive benefits.

• The Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan, developed by Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the nodal coordination department, was launched for streamlining the process of registration of functional/under construction /yet to start Biogas/Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants across the country.

GOBARdhan scheme

• About: The Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) scheme is implemented under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin-Phase 2, by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Jal Shakti ministry.

• It was launched in 2018.

• In her Budget 2023-24 speech,, Finance Minister had announced the setting up of 500 biogas plants across the country under the Gobardhan scheme. Of these, 75 plants were to be set up in urban areas.

• The scheme aims to augment income of farmers by converting biodegradable waste into compressed biogas (CBG).

• The initiative aims at attracting entrepreneurs for establishing community-based CBG plants in rural areas.

• Benefits of the scheme:

• Helpful for the country as India is home to the highest cattle population in the world, close to 300 million in number, with a daily output of 3 million tonnes of dung.

• Encourage farmers to consider dung and other waste not just as a waste but as a source of income.

• It will be easier to keep the village clean and sanitized, livestock health will improve and farm yields will increase.

• Increase self-reliance in energy utilized for cooking and lighting.

• Provides a stable fuel supply in the market for oil companies and accessible credit in the market through government schemes and banks for entrepreneurs.

• Unified Portal of Gobardhan: In 2021, it has been launched to ensure smooth implementation of Biogas schemes/initiatives and their real time tracking.
• Objectives: Ensure close coordination with various Departments/Ministries for smooth implementation of Biogas schemes/initiatives and its real time tracking.