Nestlé India is leading the charge towards a sustainable future for dairy farmers with its groundbreaking ‘Biodigester Project’. This initiative underscores Nestlé’s commitment to responsible sourcing and reducing emissions from dairy farms, marking a significant stride in environmental stewardship.The Biodigester Project employs innovative technology to convert cattle manure into clean biogas, effectively slashing the carbon footprint of dairy operations. By installing nearly 70 large biodigesters and over 3,000 small biodigesters across 24 districts in Punjab and Haryana, Nestlé India aims to empower farmers while promoting regenerative agriculture practices.
Exposed cattle manure in small dairy farms poses a significant greenhouse gas emission risk. However, the Biodigester Project mitigates this by harnessing microbial breakdown to generate biogas, offering immediate benefits such as reduced reliance on fossil fuels and health hazards associated with smoke exposure.Moreover, the large biodigesters have the added capability of generating renewable electricity, further contributing to environmental conservation. The residual manure is repurposed into biofertilizer, enriching farms and kitchen gardens with organic nutrients.
Sanjay Khajuria, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Nestlé India, emphasized the project’s alignment with India’s sustainability goals, highlighting its role in promoting resource optimization and regenerative agriculture.Local dairy farmer Mandeep Kaur attested to the project’s transformative impact, citing increased self-sufficiency and substantial savings. The use of biogas for cooking has not only reduced environmental impact but also improved health outcomes for farmers.