Agricultural varsity to promote biogas plant tech in Punjab, UP

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has taken a significant step in promoting renewable energy solutions by signing three Memoranda of Agreements (MoAs) for Biogas Plant-based technologies with firms from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research at PAU, signed the MoAs with representatives of the three firms. The event was attended by Dr Mahesh Kumar, Additional Director Research (Agricultural Engineering); Dr Manjeet Singh, Dean of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology; and Dr Khushdeep Dharni, Associate Director of

the Technology Marketing and IPR Cell.

Dr Dhatt congratulated Dr Sarbjit Singh Sooch, Head-cum-Principal Scientist of the Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, for the successful commercialisation of various biogas technologies. PAU’s Paddy Straw-based Biogas Plant, made from mild steel, has been commercialised 19 times. Additionally, the PAU Fixed Dome Type Janta Model Biogas Plant and PAU Fixed Dome Family Size Biogas Plant have been commercialised 22 and 13 times, respectively.

Dr Khushdeep Dharni highlighted that PAU’s efforts in technology transfer have reached the masses, with biogas plant technologies commercialised 54 times across 10 states. These states include Punjab, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Orissa, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi.

Dr Sooch explained that paddy straw could be effectively digested using anaerobic processes to produce biogas, which can serve as fuel for cooking and power generation. He also introduced dry fermentation of organic waste as an innovative anaerobic digestion method, requiring minimal labour while producing biogas for up to three months. The residual material from this process serves as high-quality manure ready for use in fields.