Self-reliant villages, cleaner energy, and better savings on the horizon
Lucknow: In a major initiative aimed at reshaping rural development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched the ‘Village Energy Model’, a visionary scheme that promises to reduce LPG dependency, promote organic farming, and strengthen the rural economy through clean, self-sustaining energy practices.
The model, which is being rolled out across the state, emphasizes household-level biogas units to provide cooking fuel while generating organic manure as a by-product, creating a dual benefit for rural households and farmers alike.
Up to 70% Reduction in LPG Use
According to Dr. Anurag Srivastava, OSD to the Uttar Pradesh Cow Service Commission, the installation of domestic biogas units in villages is expected to cut LPG consumption by up to 70%, significantly reducing household fuel costs while contributing to environmental conservation. This decentralized approach ensures energy availability right at the farmers’ doorstep.
Biogas Plants at Farmers’ Doorsteps
Unlike traditional centralized energy systems, this model will bring biogas units directly to farmers’ homes or fields. These units will utilize cattle dung to generate clean biogas for cooking and nutrient-rich slurry, which can be used as organic fertilizer. This will reduce farming costs and increase agricultural productivity, supporting sustainable farming practices.
Linked with MGNREGA for Cattle Shed Construction
The plan is also being linked with the MGNREGA scheme, allowing farmers to benefit from individual cattle shed construction under the employment guarantee program. These sheds will provide the dung required for biogas production. Farmers will also be able to sell surplus slurry to nearby organic farming communities, adding a steady source of extra income.
43 Gaushalas to Begin Biogas and Organic Fertilizer Production
The Yogi government has identified 43 cow shelters (Gaushalas) where biogas and organic fertilizer plants will be commissioned. Each Gaushala is expected to produce around 50 quintals of slurry every month, which can be distributed to nearby farmers, fueling the local organic farming ecosystem.
Creating Jobs for Rural Youth
The initiative is not just about energy and agriculture—it is also about employment generation. Operations, maintenance, fertilizer distribution, and technical support around the biogas units will open up job opportunities for local youth. In this way, the scheme supports the Chief Minister’s broader vision of “Aatmanirbhar Gram, Sashakt Kisan” (Self-reliant Villages, Empowered Farmers).
A Milestone in Rural Sustainability
The ‘Village Energy Model’ represents a three-pronged strategy of promoting organic farming, clean energy, and rural employment. It could emerge as a milestone in sustainable rural development not only for Uttar Pradesh but for the country.
With cleaner kitchens, cost-effective farming, and new job avenues, CM Yogi’s model is poised to revolutionize village life—turning each gram into a beacon of self-sufficiency, sustainability, and economic strength.
