Cabinet Approves ₹23,731 Crore GOBARdhan Scheme to Boost Biogas Production 10-Fold

The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, approved the GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) scheme on August 7, 2026. The scheme aims to transform India's approach to agricultural waste management by incentivizing conversion of cow dung, crop residue, and other organic waste into compressed biogas (CBG) and bio-fertilizers. This is a flagship renewable energy initiative targeting rural India's energy security.

The scheme is built on India's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. With over 300 million cattle and substantial agricultural waste generation, India has massive untapped potential for biogas production. The government has previously supported smaller biogas initiatives, but this ₹23,731 crore allocation represents a significant scaling-up. It aligns with India's renewable energy targets of 500 GW capacity by 2030 and the National Action Plan on Climate Change.

Key figures: ₹23,731 crore allocation; target to increase CBG production 10 times current levels; aims to support lakhs of farmers and rural entrepreneurs; expected to generate employment in waste collection and biogas production. The scheme includes subsidies for setting up biogas plants, transport infrastructure, and consumer incentives for CBG usage. It targets both individual farmers and community-based models.

Exam relevance: This tests knowledge of government schemes affecting masses (lakhs of farmers), renewable energy policy, climate action, and rural development — classic UPSC Mains GS-2 topic on schemes and GS-3 on energy. Expected MCQ: 'Which ministry launched GOBARdhan scheme?' or Mains: 'Discuss the role of GOBARdhan in achieving India's climate targets.'