Mangaluru: Several farmers in Dakshina Kannada have begun relying on biogas as an alternative source of cooking fuel after a recent shortage of LPG cylinders disrupted supplies for many households across India, The New Indian Express reported.
Among them is dairy farmer Glen Roche, who runs a homestay and a farmhouse at Inoli in Ullal taluk. While many residents struggled due to the shortage, Roche said his daily work continued without disruption as he uses biogas produced from cow dung to meet cooking fuel needs.
Roche said his farm has 15 cows, and the dung generated is used in biogas plants installed on the property. He added that the shift from LPG to biogas has helped make the farm more self-reliant. Workers staying at the farm also use the biogas plant for cooking, while solar energy is used for electricity and organic manure is applied to the fields.
Another farmer, Jagannath Poojary from Murulya in Puttur taluk, said his biogas unit has helped him manage the LPG shortage. The Gobar gas plant on his farm was set up about 20 years ago and continues to function.
Poojary said he produces biogas daily using cow dung, which has eliminated the need for LPG cylinders and provides a clean and smoke-free alternative to both LPG and firewood.
Environmentalists also see biogas as a practical solution for rural households. Jeeth Milan Roche, an environmentalist from Mangaluru, said biogas converts farm waste into energy and helps protect forests by reducing the demand for firewood. He added that biogas is a renewable energy source that can be produced locally.
