JAISALMER: Amid the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict, which has triggered an LPG supply crisis in several countries including India, a unique example of self-reliance has emerged from the border district of Barmer.More than 50 families in this region are cooking not with LPG, but with biogas produced from cattle dung, showcasing a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative.In Janpaliya village of Barmer, progressive farmer Hariram has been using a biogas plant for the past four years. All meals in his household are cooked using gas generated from cow and buffalo dung. He installed the plant with a subsidy of ₹40,000, and after financial assistance from an NGO, his personal cost was only around ₹15,000–17,000.The biogas produced in the plant is supplied directly to the kitchen through a pipeline, where it is used for cooking. According to Hariram, while the country faces a gas shortage, his household remains unaffected. There is no need to book or transport LPG cylinders.He also utilizes the leftover slurry from the plant in his fields for gardening and farming, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers.Similar biogas plants have been set up in several villages across Barmer district, including Ishrol, Leelsar, Kaparau, Alamsar, Mahavir Gaushala (Chohatan), Sedwa, Bisasar, Bhanwar, Bhuniya, Gudamalani, Adel, Arjun ki Dhani, Dimdi, Sindhari, Sawau Padam Singh, Baytu, Nokhra, and Dhorimanna.Explaining the process, Hariram said that a mixture of dung and water is fed into an airtight tank. In the absence of oxygen, bacteria decompose the organic matter and produce methane gas, which is then piped to the kitchen for use.Dr. Narayan Singh, Joint Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, highlighted that biogas is not only a low-cost fuel but also environmentally friendly. In rural areas where livestock rearing is common, this technology can significantly reduce dependence on LPG.He added that the slurry produced from biogas plants is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which improves soil fertility. Many farmers reported that this organic byproduct has effectively replaced chemical fertilizers like urea and DAP, performing as efficiently as vermicompost.Local residents also pointed out that even households with just two cattle can set up a biogas plant. The gas generated meets kitchen needs, while the residual waste is highly beneficial for agricultural use.This initiative reflects how rural innovation and traditional resources can offer practical solutions to modern energy challenges while promoting sustainability and self-reliance.
