Shah Supercharges Co-op Sector with New ₹55 Crore Biogas Plant

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated India’s first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant on October 5, 2025, at the Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana in Kopargaon, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra.

Developed with an investment of approximately ₹55 crore, the plant is designed to produce 12 tonnes of CBG and 75 tonnes of potash granules per day using jaggery and molasses as feedstock. Supported by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), the project represents a major innovation in the cooperative sugar mill sector.

At the event, Minister Shah announced that 15 cooperative sugar mills across India will receive government support to establish similar plants—aiming to reduce dependence on imported CBG and potash, and strengthen India's path to self-reliance.

The inauguration was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and other senior dignitaries. The initiative is expected to revolutionize the sugar industry by integrating sustainable energy and fertiliser production in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

News by Rahul Yelligeti.