ONGOLE: Reliance Industries plans to establish nearly 500 Compressed Bio-gas (CBG) plants across Andhra Pradesh, with plants soon coming to Prakasam district in Markapur, Giddalur, and Darsi, explained Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar.
The initiative is aimed at addressing unemployment while boosting farmers’ incomes by utilising waste lands for the production of eco-friendly bio-gas.
Minister Ravi Kumar visited Divakarapuram village in Pedda Cherlopalli mandal, Prakasam district, on Monday, ahead of the foundation stone-laying ceremony scheduled for April 2. IT & HRD Minister Nara Lokesh and Reliance’s Anant Ambani will attend as chief guests.
Ravi Kumar highlighted that the CBG plants will generate thousands of jobs and curb migration from the region. Additionally, farmers will receive better income through tenancy agreements to cultivate special grass for the bio-gas production.
On private lands, farmers will earn Rs 31,000 per acre, and Rs 15,000 on government lands, far higher than their current Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per acre.
The Divakarapuram plant will have a 100-ton capacity, with 5,000 acres of land allocated for the project.
Each plant is expected to provide 250-500 direct and indirect jobs, with the government targeting 20 lakh job opportunities in the next five years.