Indian Farmers Embrace Biogas Amid Energy Crisis from Iran War

In rural India, farmers are turning to cow dung to produce biogas, a vital energy source amidst the global energy crisis fueled by the Iran war. This practice addresses cooking gas shortages and provides natural fertilizer.

Thu May 07 2026

Cow Dung: A Lifeline Amidst Energy Crisis

In rural India, the escalating global energy crisis, exacerbated by the 'Iran war', has made biogas generated from cow dung a crucial lifeline for farmers. Individuals like Gauri Devi diligently collect cow dung, mix it with water, and pour it into an underground tank to produce biogas. This biogas serves as the primary fuel for cooking and even for preparing buffalo feed. While the government denies any shortages, daily scenes of long queues and panic buying for LPG gas cylinders underscore the severe impact on communities.

Dual Benefits of Biogas Systems

The biogas system offers two significant advantages to farmers. Firstly, the methane gas produced from the anaerobic digestion of cow dung provides a steady supply of cooking fuel, reducing reliance on expensive LPG gas. Secondly, the leftover slurry from the digester transforms into a rich, natural fertilizer, which can be used for crops or sold. Since the 1980s, India has actively promoted biogas as a low-cost rural alternative, subsidizing over 5 million biogas digesters. Officials are now scaling up biogas initiatives further, aiming to help the country achieve carbon neutrality by 2070.

*Source: YouTube: SCMP (2026-05-07)*

Tags: #India #Biogas #EnergyCrisis #CowDung #Agriculture