Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is set to inaugurate India’s first cooperative-owned compressed biogas (CBG) plant on October 5, 2025, at the Sanjivani University Ground in Kopargaon, Maharashtra. The plant, built by the Sahakar Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana sugar cooperative, will convert farm waste into clean fuel, reducing the reliance on traditional fossil fuels and decreasing air pollution. This project aligns with the national government’s initiatives to produce energy from waste.
The CBG plant will utilize leftover sugarcane pulp and crop stalks to produce a fuel that can be used in vehicles, industries, and homes, similar to CNG. The cooperative’s chairman, Vivek Bipindada Kolhe, emphasized that this project places the cooperative at the forefront of sustainable and innovative rural projects, creating new opportunities for farmers to earn income from their agricultural waste.
In addition to the biogas plant, a new Spray Dryer and a facility to produce Potash Granules will also be launched. These units will utilize by-products from the sugar process to create useful agricultural fertilizers, minimizing waste and supporting the rural economy. The cooperative, established in 1960, has expanded its operations over the years to include electricity, ethanol, medicine, and compost production, demonstrating its commitment to building industries that support rural development.
The inauguration ceremony will be attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, as well as several state ministers and leaders. The event will also feature a large meeting for farmers and cooperative members, highlighting the importance of this project for the rural community. The cooperative’s efforts to promote sustainable energy and reduce waste are expected to have a positive impact on the environment and the local economy, contributing to India’s transition towards green energy and rural development.