Maharashtra, India – The Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) has pioneered a biogas success story in Ballal village, Bhokar Block, Nanded district, empowering women farmers with sustainable energy solutions. The SEWA team composed of Satish Bhai, Mahesh Bhai, and Rajaratna Bhai—visited Ballal village to educate women farmers about the benefits of biogas. They explained how biogas could reduce household fuel costs, improve farm productivity, and promote environmental sustainability.
Typically, the cost of installing a biogas unit is INR 40,000 (USD 460). However, through the support of the SEWA under the APFP-FO4A program, farmers can access biogas at a significantly reduced cost of just INR 9,000 (USD 100)—making it more affordable for smallholder farming households.
A Farmer’s Journey to Energy Independence
Ujwala Hari Babilwad, a resident of Ballal village and a participant in the PSCP More Regenerative Project, shares her transformative experience:
“I have been working on the regenerative farming project for the past two years. My family of four—my husband, two children, and I—cultivate five acres of farmland and own one cow, two bulls, and two buffaloes. When SEWA introduced the biogas initiative in our village, many were hesitant to adopt it. However, I took the initiative to install a biogas unit in my home, and it has completely changed our way of life.
“With biogas, we no longer rely on expensive LPG gas. Our cooking needs are entirely met using biogas, which has significantly reduced our household expenses. We no longer worry about booking LPG cylinders or traveling to Bhokar to refill gas tanks. Moreover, the nutrient-rich slurry produced as a byproduct of biogas has greatly enhanced the fertility of our farmland, leading to healthier crops and improved yields. The financial savings and farm productivity gains have directly contributed to a better quality of life for our family.”
Expanding Opportunities for Women Farmers
Ujwala’s story is just one example of how SEWA, as one of the national implementing agencies of the APFP-FO4A program, is improving the livelihoods and incomes of smallholder farmers in India.
The APFP-FO4A program, implemented by the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) and La Via Campesina (LVC) with funding from the European Union and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), strengthens farmers’ organizations, enhances value chain participation, and advocates for policies that support sustainable rural livelihoods.
By making biogas technology accessible and affordable, the program not only reduces household energy costs but also promotes sustainable farming practices, ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits for farming communities.
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