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26 August 2026

Compressed biogas supply chain challenges

The topic covers the GOBARdhan scheme, a flagship government policy, and addresses critical supply chain and circular economy challenges directly relevant to GS3 energy and agricultural infrastructure questions.

2 min read Day 2 of 3 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • Compressed Biogas (CBG) production is currently scaling up, with 1,302 functional plants and 256 under construction.
  • Government targets for CBG blending with CNG and PNG are 3% in FY27, followed by 4% and 5% in subsequent years.
  • The GOBARdhan scheme, revamped with a ₹23,731-crore outlay, aims to boost CBG growth and will remain in place until 2036.
  • Primary feedstocks include press mud (sugarcane residue), agricultural residues (paddy/wheat straw), and animal manure.
  • Logistical challenges: Press mud and cattle dung require proximity (approx. 25-km radius) due to high moisture and perishability; paddy straw requires specialized baling and storage.
  • Seasonal constraints: Press mud is limited by the 4-5 month sugar milling season; paddy straw collection is restricted to a 15-day window post-harvest.
  • Environmental considerations: Long-distance transport of feedstock can negate CBG's environmental benefits by increasing fossil fuel consumption.
  • Supply chain model: Aggregators are essential to bridge the gap between farmers and plants, facilitating collection and managing legal/social complexities.
  • Circular economy: Bio-slurry, a byproduct of CBG production, serves as organic fertilizer, creating a link between energy production and agriculture.
  • Technical efficiency: Gas yield is approximately 6% for cow dung and 10% or more for agricultural residues; plants are recommended to be multi-feedstock capable.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 3 in Implementation and expansion of the GOBARdhan scheme, which has been running since 7 August 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Discuss the supply chain challenges associated with the scaling of Compressed Biogas (CBG) production in India. How can the integration of an aggregator-based model and circular economy principles enhance the viability of the GOBARdhan scheme? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The transition to a sustainable energy mix requires addressing logistical bottlenecks in the feedstock supply chain. In the context of India's CBG targets, analyze the constraints related to feedstock sourcing, storage, and transportation. Suggest policy interventions to ensure the long-term sustainability of bio-energy plants. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following best describes the primary objective of the GOBARdhan scheme?

  2. Regarding the feedstock used for Compressed Biogas (CBG) production, which statement is correct?