Occasionally, when I visit villages, I notice how organic waste like cattle dung and kitchen scraps often piles up, causing problems for the community. Recently, I heard about a government program called Gobardhan Yojana (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan), which promises to solve this issue in a simple and effective way.
Under this plan, waste materials like cattle dung are turned into useful products such as biogas for cooking and bio-fertilizers for farming. This means cleaner surroundings, extra income for rural families, and more eco-friendly energy solutions.
The idea sounded practical and beneficial, so I decided to learn more about it—what it offers, who can join, and how it works. If you’re curious too, let’s take a closer look at how Gobardhan Yojana can make a real difference!
Table of Contents
Benefits of Gobardhan Yojana
The scheme offers several advantages:
- Environmental Cleanliness: Reduces waste and pollution. For example, converting 1 ton of cattle waste can prevent approximately 20 kg of methane emissions.
- Renewable Energy: Converts cattle waste into biogas, a sustainable energy source. A single biogas plant can produce enough energy to power 2-3 rural households daily.
- Cost Savings: Reduces dependency on LPG and chemical fertilizers, saving households up to ₹5,000 annually.
- Organic Fertilizers: Bio-slurry from biogas plants improves soil health, leading to a 15-20% increase in crop yields.
- Rural Employment: Creates jobs for plant construction and maintenance, with each plant providing employment for 3-5 individuals.
The scheme offers several advantages:
- Environmental Cleanliness: Reduces waste and pollution.
- Renewable Energy: Converts cattle waste into biogas, a sustainable energy source.
- Cost Savings: Reduces dependency on LPG and chemical fertilizers.
- Organic Fertilizers: Bio-slurry from biogas plants improves soil health.
- Rural Employment: Creates jobs for plant construction and maintenance.
Who Can Be Eligible for Gobardhan Yojana?
The scheme is inclusive and designed to help various groups, including:
- Individual Households: Households selected by the Gram Panchayats (village councils).
- Clusters of Households:
- Groups of households identified by the Gram Panchayats in collaboration with cooperatives, milk unions, farmer groups (FPOs), self-help groups (SHGs), community-based organizations (CBOs), or private entrepreneurs.
- Households must have at least 3 to 4 cattle.
- Communities: Communities or households chosen by the Gram Panchayats.
- Commercials: Open to entrepreneurs, cooperatives, gaushalas (cow shelters), dairies, and others interested in setting up large-scale biogas or compressed bio-gas (CBG) plants.
How to Apply for Gobardhan Yojana
Farmers and rural communities can apply Online and Offline by following these steps:
• Step 1: Contact Your Gram Panchayat
Visit your Gram Panchayat and let them know you want to join the Gobardhan Yojana. They will check if you’re eligible with help from groups like Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), or local milk cooperatives.
• Step 2: Create a Project Plan
After you’re selected, a team will help you create a project plan for your biogas plant. They will also arrange skilled workers, like masons or engineers, to build the plant for you.
• Step 3: Get Approval
Submit the project plan to the authorities for approval. Make sure it includes details on how you will take care of and run the biogas plant after it’s built.
• Visit the Portal: Go to the Gobardhan Unified Registration Portal.
• Register: Create an account with your details. Submit an Application: Provide information about your cattle, farming activities, and plant requirements.
• Attach Required Documents: Upload identity proof, land records, and a feasibility report for the biogas plant.
• Follow Up: After submission, you’ll receive updates and assistance from local authorities
Documents Needed
To apply for the Gobardhan Yojana, you’ll need:
- Identity proof (e.g., Pan and Aadhaar card)
- Corporate Identification Number (CIN)/ Registration Number
- GST Number (GSTIN)
- Land ownership or lease documents
- Cattle ownership proof
- Bank account details for subsidies
- Financial Statement
- A project feasibility report
Support for Small-Scale Farmers
Small farmers with limited resources are encouraged to participate in this scheme. The household and cluster models of this scheme make it accessible, ensuring that even those with small cattle holdings can avail of it and take advantage of it.
Subsidies for Biogas Plants
Financial assistance is available for setting up biogas plants. The amount depends on the plant’s size and capacity:
- Smaller plants (2-5 cubic meters) receive higher subsidies to encourage adoption.
- Larger plants get support based on their waste processing and energy output potential.
Success Stories
Many rural communities have experienced life-changing benefits from the Gobardhan Yojana:
A farmer Ramesh Yadav set up a biogas plant that reduced his energy costs by 40% and provided organic fertilizer for his crops, leading to a 20% increase in yield.
– Ramesh Yadav, Haryana
Similarly, in Maharashtra, a women’s Self-Help Group managed a cluster biogas plant that not only supplied clean energy to 25 households but also generated additional income through the sale of bio-fertilizers. These inspiring stories demonstrate the scheme’s potential to transform rural livelihoods.
Latest Updates and News
The scheme is evolving to better serve rural communities. Recent updates include:
- Simplified application processes through the Unified Registration Portal.
- Increased subsidies for small-scale farmers.
- Promotion of advanced biogas technologies.
For the latest official updates, visit the Gobardhan Yojana Spotlight Page or check Gobardhan Scheme Updates.
Contact Information
To learn more or seek assistance, visit the Unified Registration Portal or contact your state’s agriculture department.
Conclusion
The Goverdhan Yojana is a revolutionary step towards sustainable rural development, which can turn waste into wealth. This scheme not only promotes clean energy but also improves rural livelihoods. If you are a farmer or a rural entrepreneur, this is a golden opportunity for you to adopt eco-friendly practices and increase your income. You can start your journey today by applying through the official portal.