One of India’s largest dairy producers, Banas Dairy has joined forces with Suzuki R&D Centre India Private Limited and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to establish biogas production plants in Gujarat. This Rs 230-crore initiative aims to manage animal waste efficiently, reduce pollution, and generate green energy. The project will also provide farmers with additional income opportunities through organic fertilizer production. The collaboration underscores India’s commitment to sustainability and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a greener and more eco-conscious nation. It represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and innovative dairy industry in India.
In a significant move towards environmental sustainability and agricultural innovation, Banas Dairy, one of the largest dairy producers in India, has entered into a groundbreaking partnership. The dairy has signed a three-party agreement worth Rs 230 crore with Suzuki R&D Centre India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to establish four animal dung-based biogas production plants in Banaskantha district, Gujarat.
The collaboration, which commenced in December of the previous year, marks a significant step in addressing the dual challenges of agricultural waste management and clean energy generation. Banas Dairy is renowned for its substantial milk production, boasting over 85 lakh litres daily, making it the highest in Asia. The dairy giant recorded an impressive turnover of Rs 18,000 crore during the fiscal year 2022-23.
The initiative, set to be realized by 2025, underscores the critical role of biogas in transforming the dairy industry into a more sustainable and eco-friendly sector. These biogas production plants hold immense potential to revolutionize how dairy farming impacts the environment and contributes to India’s energy landscape.
The primary objective of this ambitious project is to reduce pollution and safeguard the environment by efficiently managing animal waste. Simultaneously, it aims to harness green and clean energy through biogas generation. Each biogas plant will be complemented by biogas filling stations, facilitating fuel distribution for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles. Furthermore, organic fertiliser production facilities will be established, promoting organic farming practices and providing farmers with additional income streams.
“The numbers of plants can be further increased as per mutual agreement of all parties. These plants will play a crucial role in reducing pollution, preserving our environment, and generating green and clean energy, with a total investment of approximately Rs 230 crore. Additionally, biogas filling stations will be set up alongside each plant to distribute fuel for CNG vehicles and organic fertiliser production facilities will be established to promote organic farming,” the statement explained.
This innovative project aligns with India’s broader sustainability goals, focusing on creating a cleaner and more eco-conscious nation. It also underscores the importance of supporting farmers by diversifying their income sources through the byproducts of their animal husbandry business. The cleaner energy produced by bio CNG can also be further utilized for the production of green hydrogen and liquid biomethane, contributing to the development of green energy sources.
Shankar Chaudhary, Chairman of Banas Dairy, emphasized the project’s alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a greener India. He stated, “This project is a testament to the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is guiding us to create a greener India and provide our farmers with additional income opportunities with net zero carbon neutrality and promoting a circular economy. These projects are an initial step to make Banaskantha district an organic and energy self-reliant district.”
In conclusion, the collaboration between Banas Dairy, Suzuki R&D Centre India Private Limited, and the NDDB is poised to set new standards for sustainability and innovation in the Indian dairy industry. By addressing environmental concerns, promoting clean energy, and offering new income avenues for farmers, this initiative demonstrates a commitment to a greener, more prosperous future for both agriculture and the environment in India.
