Surat Agricultural Market Leads the Nation in BioCNG Production from Vegetable Waste

Surat : In a pioneering move, the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Surat has revolutionized waste management by converting vegetable waste into BioCNG (Compressed Natural Gas), setting an exemplary model for cities nationwide. The initiative not only addresses waste concerns but also generates substantial revenue for the APMC.

Every day, approximately 35 tons of vegetable waste sourced from various market yards under APMC is transported to the BioCNG plant at APMC Surat, specifically located at Sahara Darwaja. This waste is crucial for the plant’s operations, emphasizing the need for a consistent supply.

At the plant, over 800 kilograms of gas is generated daily from the vegetable waste, marking a significant contribution to the Gujarat Gas Company Limited, a state-run enterprise. Since its establishment in 2018, the biogas plant has been instrumental in generating a monthly revenue of around Rs 3 lakh for APMC Surat.

Under the Waste To Energy program, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has actively supported this project, showcasing the government’s commitment to sustainable practices. The success of Surat’s APMC serves as a blueprint for other cities’ APMCs to adopt similar initiatives, leading to waste elimination and additional revenue generation.

The biogas plant boasts a capacity to produce 1,200 kilograms of BioCNG daily, necessitating approximately 50 tons of vegetable waste. Furthermore, it yields 8,000 liters of liquid organic fertilizer daily, aiding progressive farmers in Surat district for cultivating vegetables and sugarcane.

Nilesh Thorat, the Secretary of APMC Surat, shed light on the operational intricacies. He highlighted the need to separate seeds and specific fruits like mangoes, lemons, and oranges during waste collection. These segregation processes precede the conversion of waste into methane gas in specialized tanks. Subsequently, through filters and sensors, the gas is extracted and directed into the Gujarat Gas pipeline.

The innovative utilization of vegetable waste to produce BioCNG and organic fertilizer not only addresses environmental concerns but also serves as a sustainable revenue stream. As cities grapple with mounting waste issues, the success of APMC Surat stands as a testament to the potential of waste-to-energy initiatives, offering a viable solution and economic benefit simultaneously.

“With the government’s support and effective utilization of organic waste, this pioneering project has the potential to inspire similar endeavors across the nation, fostering a more sustainable and profitable approach to waste management in urban areas” said Thorat.