Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated the country’s first cooperative multi-feed compressed biogas (CBG) plant at Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana in Kopargaon, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra on 05 October, 2025.

The project, involving an investment of around Rs 55 crore, aims to produce 12 tonne of CBG daily along with 75 tonne of potash granules from jaggery/molasses. This initiative, supported by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), marks a significant milestone in India’s cooperative sugar mill sector. Union Minister Shah announced that the government will support 15 selected sugar mills to establish similar plants, boosting self-reliance by reducing imports of CBG and potash.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and other dignitaries were present at the event. The project is expected to transform the sugar industry, promoting sustainable energy and fertiliser production under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a self-reliant India.