Biogas systems in India: is the technology appropriate

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Environment; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00139157.1982.9929815· OSTI ID:5571440

Tucker, J B

In 1973 the Indian government launched a project to install 50,000 biogas plants in villages by 1978. About 36,000 plants were in operation by 1977. Biogas technology was seen as providing a valuable source of energy and fertilizer, helping to conserve forests and preventing soil erosion, improving India's balance of payments and improving rural sanitation and public health. As it turned out, the rigidly stratified socioeconomic structure of Indian villages prevented the lower classes from benefiting from the new technology and had the unforeseen effect of ultimately widening the gap between rich and poor. This article looks at how this happened, examines the socioeconomic impact of biogas and discusses the technical improvements needed to make existing biogas plants into a truly appropriate technology in the context of Indian village life. (Refs. 35).

• OSTI ID: 5571440
• Journal Information: Environment; (United States), Journal Name: Environment; (United States) Vol. 24:8; ISSN ENVTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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ALKANES
APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY
ASIA
BIOMASS CONVERSION PLANTS
BIOREACTORS
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
HUMAN POPULATIONS
HYDROCARBONS
INDIA
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
METHANE
NATIONAL PROGRAM PLANS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POPULATIONS
RURAL POPULATIONS
SOCIAL IMPACT
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
TECHNOLOGY IMPACTS