Kolhapur: Kolhapur district has emerged as the leading region in the country for biogas adoption, with more than 1.24 lakh units installed over the years, backed by sustained efforts of the Kolhapur Zilla Parishad.
Officials said 1,24,144 biogas units have been set up since 1982, with farmers receiving subsidies worth ₹342.30 crore to support the initiative, Pudhari reported.
Several villages in the district have achieved full biogas coverage, with households using cattle waste to generate cooking fuel. A large number of these units are also linked to toilets, combining energy generation with improved sanitation.
The district’s progress has drawn attention at a time when households are facing delays of up to 45 days for LPG cylinder bookings, making biogas a reliable alternative.
In the past five years, 4,443 new biogas units have been added, further strengthening the district’s position.
Farmers said the system has helped them produce cooking gas from cattle dung while also generating organic manure for farming, lowering input costs.
Agriculture officials said biogas offers a sustainable energy option, supports organic farming and contributes to environmental balance, while also strengthening the rural economy.
