India, Japan Launch Biogas Initiative to Set Up 1,000 CBG and Organic Fertiliser Plants Across India

India and Japan have unveiled an ambitious initiative to establish 1,000 compressed biogas (CBG) and organic fertiliser plants across India, marking a major step towards strengthening energy security, rural livelihoods and sustainable agriculture through bilateral cooperation.

The initiative, formalised through a Memorandum of Cooperation for the India-Japan Cooperative Biogas for Growth (CBG) Initiative, was among the 16 key outcomes announced during Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to India. The programme aims to leverage India's extensive network of dairy cooperatives to accelerate biogas production and promote the use of organic fertilisers across the country.

Announcing the initiative during a joint press statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and Japan fully recognise the growing importance of economic and energy security amid global uncertainty. He noted that both countries have adopted a Joint Roadmap on Economic Security to strengthen supply chain resilience in strategic sectors, including semiconductors, quantum technologies and advanced materials.

Highlighting the energy partnership, the Prime Minister said the India-Japan Bio-gas Initiative would support the establishment of 1,000 biogas and organic fertiliser plants across India, significantly strengthening the government's GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) initiative.

The proposed plants are expected to convert cattle dung, agricultural residues and other biodegradable waste into clean biogas and organic manure, reducing dependence on fossil fuels while promoting scientific waste management and circular agriculture.

The initiative is also expected to generate new income opportunities for dairy farmers and rural communities by creating value from agricultural and livestock waste. It will further encourage the adoption of organic fertilisers, improve soil health and reduce the use of chemical fertilisers.

According to the Prime Minister, the collaboration will give fresh momentum to sustainability, prosperity and livelihood generation in India's villages. By integrating dairy cooperatives with renewable energy infrastructure, the programme seeks to create a decentralised model of clean energy production with broad rural participation.

India and Japan also launched an Energy Resilience Initiative to better prepare for global energy market disruptions, including oil price shocks. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in batteries, green hydrogen and nuclear energy as part of their shared clean energy agenda.

Describing economic security as a common strategic priority, both countries agreed to deepen collaboration across critical technologies and energy transition sectors. The partnership aims to transform shared policy objectives into tangible outcomes that enhance energy resilience, support climate goals and strengthen long-term economic cooperation.

The biogas initiative is expected to play a key role in India's renewable energy transition by promoting cleaner fuels, improving waste utilisation and supporting the country's efforts to achieve sustainable rural development while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.