Govt inks dung deal
PHOTO: INP
Asia's largest dairy and cattle market is set to supply cattle waste to produce biogas for biogas-powered buses in Karachi. A formal agreement has been signed between the transport operators, Trans Karachi, and the Dairy and Cattle Farmers Association.
According to Shakir Umar Gujjar, President of the Dairy and Cattle Farmers Association, the dairy farmers will provide dung for the Red Line Biogas Bus Project.
A foundation, comprising representatives from the Dairy Farmers of Cattle Colony, Karachi Trans, and the Redline Biogas Plant Operator, will be formed. The revenue generated from the gas plant will contribute to the development and welfare of the dairy farmers in Cattle Colony.
As part of the agreement, farmers from Cattle Colony will supply waste from over 350,000 cattle, producing 8,000 tons of organic fertiliser daily, alongside providing dung for the biogas plant. The Cattle Colony Community Foundation will oversee the agreement, with representation from the Asian Development Bank, Sindh government, and Trans Karachi Company.
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Acting as a communication bridge, Trans Karachi Company will connect the biogas plant operator with the farmers. Shakir Umar Gujjar expressed hope that the biogas production project from buffalo waste will contribute to remediating Karachi's environment, particularly in reducing marine pollution.
The Cattle Colony currently faces air pollution due to extensive cattle dung, leading to common respiratory and skin diseases from emitted carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. This initiative aims to improve the area's health conditions by preventing animal waste from entering the sea.
The project will also focus on social welfare, creating facilities including education and health centres, and establishing an agricultural university campus.
Furthermore, the farmers will receive technical support and training for producing value-added products.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 6th, 2024.