Union Minister for Cooperation Shri Amit Shah formally inaugurated the country’s first cooperative-owned multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant on 5th October 2025 in Kopargaon, Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra. This landmark project, developed at a cost of approximately ₹55 crore, signifies a major milestone in India’s green energy and cooperative movement.
Project Significance and Features
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The facility can produce 12 tons of CBG daily and 75 tons of potash from jaggery/molasses, reducing dependence on imported products.
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It is India’s first cooperative-based CBG plant that utilizes farm waste, such as sugarcane press mud, crop stalks, and organic residues, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
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The plant also includes a potash granule manufacturing unit to produce eco-friendly fertilizers from by-products, promoting circular economy practices.
Leadership and Support
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The inauguration was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chiefs Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar, Union Minister of State for Cooperation Shri Murlidhar Mohol, and other senior leaders, emphasizing government support for rural-industrial projects.
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The event was part of a broader push for sustainable rural industries, with support from the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
Strategic and Regional Impact
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The project aims to create an alternative, renewable energy source to reduce fossil fuel imports, cut emissions, and generate additional income streams for farmers.
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It ensures the promotion of circular economy models, where agricultural waste is transformed into valuable products, fostering rural entrepreneurship and energy independence.
Broader Context and Future Plans: Compressed Biogas
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The initiative aligns with national goals of bioenergy development, climate change mitigation, and rural economic revival.
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The government is supporting multiple similar projects across the country to expand renewable energy capacity, improve farmer welfare, and promote ecological sustainability.
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The project also links to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and ‘Go Green’ movements, emphasizing environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
India’s first cooperative multi-feed CBG plant at Kopargaon is a visionary step that showcases the potential of sustainable, farmer-driven energy solutions. It stands as a model of cooperative-led rural industry, propelling India towards self-reliance and environmental stewardship.
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Source: PIB
