PATNA, May 17 -- In view of the severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East, the agriculture department has decided to aggressively encourage individuals, particularly in rural areas, to set up biogas plants as a step towards energy security. The move also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's repeated calls to curtail India's massive import bill on petroleum products and promote self-reliance in rural energy needs. Agriculture minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Saturday said that the initiative, part of the 4th agriculture road map (2023-28), will be formally rolled out soon under a comprehensive state scheme covering all 38 districts. "A sum of Rs.4.98 crore has been earmarked for 2026-27 to implement setting up of biogas (cow dung) plants, vermicompost units and commercial vermicompost units," he said. Describing the scheme as a game-changer for energy security in rural areas, Sinha said, "We are not just talking about alternative energy. This is about transforming the rural economy, restoring soil health and protecting public health from the ill-effects of excessive chemical fertilisers." Under the Gobar/biogas unit component, farmers owning cattle will receive substantial support to install 2 cubic metre biogas plants. The government will provide up to 50% subsidy or up to Rs.22,500 per unit, whichever is lower. The package includes turn-key installation by approved service providers, with Rs.1,500 per unit earmarked for after-sales service. Two models - Deenbandhu and pre-fabricated - will be promoted. The Deenbandhu design uses bricks and creates a dome-shaped digester where biogas is collected and stored in the same tank. The slurry that comes out is rich in nutrients and can be directly used or converted into high-quality vermicompost....