India's Biogas Initiatives Face Challenges Amid Rising Maize Cultivation
India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil, primarily from West Asia, making energy security vulnerable amid regional tensions. The government aims to reduce reliance on imported fuels through initiatives like the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT), targeting 5,000 biogas plants by 2023. However, only 132 have been completed as of June 3, 2026. The GOBARdhan scheme supports biogas production with grants and funding, yet infrastructure and investment challenges persist. The Economic Survey 2026 highlights a significant rise in maize cultivation, potentially threatening crop diversity and food security, as maize competes with pulses and oilseeds for resources. The government plans to blend Compressed Biogas (CBG) into the gas supply, starting at 1% in FY26, aiming for 5% by FY29, but replicating the success of the ethanol blending programme remains uncertain.
Published 1 day ago • 14 Jul 2026, 10:46 AM IST