socio-economic impact biogas in kailali district nepal 2002
TRANSCRIPT
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Socio-economic Impact of Alternative Energy
Technology (Bio-gas) in Kailali District(A Case Study - Malakheti VDC)
Submitted to
Alternative Energy Promotion CentreKrishna Galli
Pulchowk, Lalitpur
Submitted by :
Ramesh Bahadur BalayarConsultant
March 2002
Acknowledgement
First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Madan Bahadur Basnet, Executive Director of AEPC for
providing this wonderful opportunity to carry out a Socio-economic Impact Study on 6obar-gas
in Malakheti VDC of Kailali District. This study would not be completed without the great
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support of the best friends of mine, Mr. Krishna Bahadur Malla and Mr. Tek Bahadur
Balayar. I am truly thankful to them and highly appreciate for their hard work and the guideline.
Also my thanks and gratitude goes to DDC, VDC personals, Biogas users and the different
biogas companies as well as the social workers of Kailali District.
This study means a lot to me. It is really a wonderful opportunity to learn about theAlternative Energy Technology and its effectiveness among the people. Since this is my first
study on Gobar-gas, there is enough place to improve it, however I hope this Case Study
will provide necessary guidelines for further studies on Socio-economic Impact of Gobar-gas.
Ramesh Bahadur Balayar Consultant
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Table of ContentsPage No.
1. ENERGY SITUATION OF THE COUNTRY 1
2. BACKGROUND 2
3. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 2
4. METHODOLOGY 3
4.1 Sampling 3
4.2 Field Survey 4
5. FINDINGS 4
5.1 Institutions and Organization for Biogas Development and Promotion 4
5.1.1 Biogas and Agricultural Equipment Development Company 5
5.1.2 Financial Institution 6
5.1.3 Private Entrepreneurs and Other agencies 7
5.2 Biogas Users 7
5.2.1 Characteristics of the Users 7
5.2.2 Socio-Economic Situation 8
5.2.2.1 Natural Resources 85.2.2.2 Population 8
5.2.2.3 Food and Cash Crop Production 9
5.2.2.4 Occupation and Income Sources 9
5.2.2.5 Land holding and Marketed Surplus 9
5.2.2.6 Livestock Ownership 10
5.3 Constructions, Operation and Maintenance of Biogas Plant 11
5.3.1 Construction Company 11
5.3.2 Reasons for Installation 11
5.3.3 Construction Cost and Subsidy 12
5.3.4 Feeding and Size of Plant 13
5.3.5 Operation and Maintenance After Installation of Plants 165.4 Socio-economic Benefits of Bio-gas Plants 17
5.4.1 Bio-slurry as Fertilizer 17
5.4.2 Effects of Bio-gas on Fuel Wood Consumption and Health 17
5.4.3 Effect of Bio-gas on Environment 18
5.4.4 Effect of Bio-gas on Sanitation and Health 18
5.4.5 Effect of Bio-gas on Other Activities 18
ANNEXES
Annex -1 : Survey Questionnaire
Annex - 2 : Selected Bio-gas Users Interviewed
Annex - 3 : Bio-gas Companies Operating in Kailali District
Annex-4 : Family Size, Number of livestock and Size of Bio-gas Plants in Kailal i
District in Surveyed Area
Annex - 5 : Photographs
Executive Summary
Traditional way of every consumption (fuel) with extremely high dependence on fuel wood
and agricultural waste given rise to environmental, health and productivity problems due to
the production of noxious fumes. It also hampers on the study of children and income
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generating activities due to darkness and time spent on collecting firewood. Along with
forest products (fire wood) the agriculture residences, which can be used as fodder for
animal and soil nutrients, are simply burnt as fuel, which also lack on nutrients for production
of crops. Hence, RET plays an important role on the growth of rural economy. AEPC has been
established with an objective of disseminating and promoting RET for improving standards of
living of rural people and conserve environmental degradation by increasing awareness onenergy crises.
With the focus on socio-economic aspects of the biogas users the study is undertaken to
evaluate overall situation of RET in Kailali District There are about 2222 biogas plants in
the Kailali District in operation. The randomly selected 33 users in surveyed area
surveyed the pre-prepared semi-structured questionnaires with frequent field visit to obtain
the required information.
In the area GGC, PGC, SBC have played an active role in the promotion of biogas technology
since years. To-date 49 biogas companies have been registered and are being operated in
the country. In Kailali District, neither so far, there are nor companies involved in the
installation of biogas plants.
The biogas users are the better section by rural standards characterized by large to
medium land holdings, greater number of livestock and high literacy rate. The average size of
land holding, cattle and buffalo of the biogas users is 48.3, 5.17and 1.29 respectively.
Commercially growing sugarcane and high production in cereal crops indicate favorable for
financial institutions for the recovery of their loan, which was taken during the
establishment of biogas plants and other activities.
During planning the construction of plant users, financing banks and the companies werefound not properly taking account of energy requirement of the households. It is also
complained that there is insufficiency of gas during water than the summer season.
Therefore, therefore, regulatory frameworks need to adequately encompass the socio-
economic aspects so that users enjoy trouble free benefits from the biogas plants they have
constructed. There are only a few companies operating in a specified area, though there are
49 biogas construction companies registered in the country.
Hence, it is desirable that monitoring of the essential marketing elements also is undertaken
regularly, so that users get maximum benefit of the competitive market,
The study results show that in order of importance the reasons for using biogas are to
smokeless environment, safe firewood, convenience of handling and cooking and value of
slurry as good fertilizer.
The implementation coordination between family size and recommended plant size is lacking,
with resultant insufficiency of gas. Continuous promotional and correctional measures need
to be introduced to create an environment to enable to rum and operate the subsidized plants
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regularly.
On the average each households burnt 420 kg of fuel wood per month before the installation
of the plant, which has come down to 100 kg after the construction and use of biogas plants.
Assuming 320 kg firewood save per month in a household of users biogas, a total of 8532.48 M
T firewood i.e. 85.32 million rupees save in Kailali district and all the users applied slurry asfertilizer and confirmed it to be a good substitute for chemical fertilizer.
After the installation of plants, users reported time is saved in cooking, cleaning and
firewood collection with in the condition of health, increased daily work schedule, better
perception of health and hygiene.
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List of Abbreviations
AEPC : Alternative Energy Promotion Centre
RET : Renewable Energy Technology
AET : Alternative Energy Technology
HMG/N : His Majesty's Government of Nepal
ICS : Improved Cook StovesDDC : District Development Committee
TOR : Terms of Reference
NGOs : Mon-Governmental Organizations
INGOs : International Non-Government Organizations
GOs : Governmental Organization
VDC : Village Development Committee
GGC : Gobargas and Agricultural Equipment Development Company
ADB/N : Agricultural Development Bank/Nepal
RUDESA : Rural Development Study Associate
BSP : Biogas Support Program
RBB : Rastriya Banajya BankNBL : Nepal Bank Limited
RGC : Rastriya Gobargas Company
GBC : Gobargas Bistar Company
PGC : Public Gobargas Company and Rural Development Company
FWDR : Far Western Development Region
FYM : Farm Yard Manure
CC : Construction Cost
G5 : Government Subsidy
SP : Size of the Plant
LC : Latrine Connected
QDF : Quality of Dung FeedQWU : Quality of Water Used
D:W : Dung : Water Ratio
VS : Very Satisfied with Biogas Supply
MS : Moderately Satisfied with Biogas Supply
NS : Not Satisfied with Biogas Supply
M3 : Cubic Meter
CMS : Consolidated Management Services
N:P:K : Nitrogen : Phosphorous : Potash
Kg : Kilogram
IRDS : Integrated Development and Research Services
APP : Agriculture Prospective Plan
GJ : Gega Joule
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1. ENERGY SIUATION OF THE COUNTRY
With growth of economy and improvement in people's standard of living
consumption of energy increases accordingly. In Nepal, energy resource bases are
firewood, agricultural residues, animal waste, hydroelectricity and solar energy. In the
country total energy consumption is estimated to be 247411 GJ among which 92
percent is consumed in the rural areas alone, which is fulfilled by electricity (1%),
kerosene (1.994%), firewood (71.384%), agricultural waste (17.263%) and animal dung
(9.113%) (Karki, 1995). Therefore, this type of consumption of energy base fuel wood,
agricultural waste and animal dung in the future will accelerate forest mining as well as
aggravate the environmental hazards due to the non-monetized nature of traditional
fuels and low household affordability for alternative fuels (Rijal, 1995).
The estimated population of Nepal is approximately 23.2 million, of which about 80
percent live in remote areas without lighting facilities. Nepal ranks amongst the lowest
in terms of commercial energy use, with a per capita energy use estimated at 321 kg of
oil equivalent as compared to per capita energy use estimated at 563 and 5369 kg of oil
equivalent for low income countries and high income countries respectively in 1997
(World Bank 1997). Extremely high consumption of natural resources gives rise to
environmental, health and productivity problems. The life of rural women and children
is full of drudgery due to daily chores of collecting firewood from distant forest
leading to deforestation of estimated area of 21,800 hector of forest annually (Karki,
1995). Darkness and noxious fumes are the serious problem for income generating
activities and health and children who are unable to do home work at night are
handicapped in school (Dev. Part. 1997). Agriculture residues, which can be used asfodder for animals and soil nutrients, are simply burnt as fuel. Hence, RET is an
important factor for growing rural economy.
In the present contest various organizations are implementing different activities like
income generation, awareness programs, skill development, health related activities,
alternative energy development activities and so on. There is little extent in social
life but the expected achievements are not met.
With the increasing awareness of emerging rural energy crisis, Alternative Energy
Promotion Centre has been established in 1996 with an objective of disseminating andpromoting renewable energy technology (RET) for improving standard of livingof rural
people and conserve environmental degradation (AEPC, 2000). AEPC as a recognized
government body has access to support and funds from HMG/N and donors for the
promotion of alternative energy in Nepal which includes micro-hydropower, biogas, solar
power, wind energy and improved cook stoves (ICS).
2. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY AREA
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Kailali, the Terai District, one of the backward in reference to development in various
sector lies in Seti Zone of Far Western Development Region. Though the district is
leading in transportation, communication and other basic infrastructure development, it
is affected by the activities like education, employment, income generation etc. The
present educational status of the district is 44.1 percent literate among which 68.11
percent male and 21.7 percent female in total of whole literacy rate (source: DDC, Kailali2058 census).
Though the district is rich in natural resources, they are not properly utilized due to the
lack of awareness, resource management and skill development trainings. The main
resource of the district could be taken forest area, which is presently encroached due
to high population density and urbanization process; in fact, the forest product is
consumed in various purposes especially for firewood, fuel and furniture for house
construction. It is observed that the forest will be surely destroyed in few years, if the
proper solutions are not taken in consideration.
It is estimated that there are about 1622 biogas plants in operation in Kailali district
through Governmental organization and more than 600 plants through private sector
(Source: District Development Committee Kailali). In spite of the advantageous
location of the area in term of electric grid; the high adoption rate that has taken place
in the last three years, points towards the immense potential of the AET in the area. It
is, therefore, high time to assess operation of the program in the area so that the
experience can be used for future implementation in new program areas. This would
help benefit target group in delivering services more appropriately.
3. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
For sustaining the alternative energy programs, it is essential that the new
technology must be related or linked to the needs of the people. As for guidelines, TOR
obtained from Alternative Energy Promotion Center the study aims to evaluate
and assess the socio-economic impact of the alternative energy technology in the
Kailali district with the following objectives :
To study the socio-economic status of the user after and before
implementation of the RET program in the district;
To evaluate the overall situation of the renewable energy program in the study
area;
To find out the types of the RET and number of the plants installed in the study
area and their situation;
To study and find out the number of population benefited from the RET and how
this technology has assisted to alleviate the poverty;
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To assess and study the various use and utilization of the RET program in the
study district; and
To fined out the number of the organizations involving in the development of RET
program in the study district.
To meet these activities related to RET, a case study based on field visit with primary
data as well as secondary data collection was followed. The study focuses mainly on
socio-economic changes among the users taken place after the implementations of
RET as compared to prior RET implementation.
4. METHODOLOGY
The study is based on the primary as well as secondary sources of information
collected at the local level by using pre-prepared semi-structured questionnaires
(Annex -1)
4.1 Sampling
The secondary information concerning on socio-economic aspects at the district level
was collected from relevant banks, private biogas companies, NGOs, etc. The study is
based on the empirical data gathered from the biogas user communities of selected
VDC of Kailali (Malakheti). Till the study period it is estimated that there were 2222
biogas holders in the district and more than 60 biogas plants were in Malakheti VDC
among which 33 households were randomly selected by covering all wards of the VDC. A
review of the respective program was undertaken to identifythe main stakeholders and
programmed elements based on research literature and secondary data along with
primary data (field visit). After visiting various stakeholders related to the AET, the
valuable information on the status of program concerning issues like subsidy, bank
\oar\s, private sector participation, training and extension and quality of construction
were obtained.
4.2 Field Survey
Randomly selected sample of 33 biogas users were interviewed in the field with pre-prepared semi-structured questionnaires (Annex - 2)
Administered to the biogas users, focus individual as well as group discussions with the
community and the meetings with the VDC, DDC, and other biogas companies and
organization's members were discussed. The following tools were employed to generate
required information.
Review of available studies, documents and research.
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Interviews with households of biogas users. Total numbers interviewed were 33
in Malakheti VDC and the views taken from different related
stakeholders.
Focus group/individual discussions with the selected related key informants
like local political leaders, teachers, supporting agencies, etc. for obtainingqualitative information about the program as well as to access the reliability
and accuracy of the data collected from the field.
The farm level checklist and questionnaire focused in the information related
to population concerns, income, quality of life, agriculture benefits,
environmental benefits, operation and maintenance and bank finance from the
sampled households.
5. FINDINGS
5.1 Institutions and Organizations for Biogas Development and
Promotion
Institutions and organizations for biogas development and promotion to fulfill the
world energy crisis, a number of institutions, donors, INGOs, NGOs, GOs and
private entrepreneurs involved at various stages of the programs have been on
existence. The major institutions involving in the area have been briefly discussed on
how each has helped AET development.
5.1.1 Gobargas and Agricultural Equipment Development Company
{GGC)
With an objective of promoting biogas technology in the country, GGC was
established in 1977 as a private company (a joint enterprise consisting of
development consulting services of united mission/Nepal, ADB/N and the Fuel
Corporation. Now a-days GGC is losing its market due to lack of fund and
difficulties in retaining skilled in the field of completion, furthermore, its market
share has also fallen to 48% in the country. Until such time (2000/2001) 70,270
biogas plants were constructed through out the nation, among them GGC has
constructed 33,462 in numbers (Source: Report RUDESA). As the time passed to
overcome the situation and create a competitive environment, the Biogas Support
Program (BSP) was introduced.
According to the GGC personnel of study area, the subsidy on the construction of
Biogas plant is varies from NRs. 5500 (for 8/10m3 capacity plant) to NRs. 6500 (for
4/6 m3 capacity plant) and a total of expenditure for completing a plant is observed
NRs. 23000. Till now, there are about 17 biogas plants established in Malakheti VDC
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but the trend according to the number of plants established is observed as Dhangadhi
Municipality, Shripur VDC, Geta VDC (more than 65 plants), Belatipur and Malakheti
VDC (only 17 plants). It is observed that the electricity facilities do not hamper the
establishment of biogas plants because Municipality, Geta VDC are the electricity-
accessed areas. The numbers of plants are high in these areas.
The field study and visit to GGC personnel show that the adoption of these plants will be
increased if the government has fixed vision on AET increase the amount of subsidies
and the fixed determination of the construction cost of the plants. In addition, they
have positive view on the establishment of biogas plants because of its unlimited
benefits concerning resources management aspects, healthy, environment,
agriculture, and education aspects.
Now the limited (company) is running with grant support of Germany and Nether land.
5.1.2 Financial Institution
Agriculture Development Bank (ADB) of Nepal played an important role in the
promotion of biogas technology since 1974/75 by disbursing loans to the
interested individuals for installing biogas plants. The bank was also active in caring out
promotional activities such as training and information dissemination. In the initiation
phase, ADB/N .has played a pioneering role for the development and promotion of
biogas. It is the loans for these people who are interested in installing the biogas
plant have no money in their hands. Therefore, the interested people can meet their
interest for construction of the plant through bank's finance.
Nowadays, three major banks of Nepal namely ADB, RBB and NBL forward finance for
the prospective borrowers and the conditions for borrowing differ from bank to bank.
And the repayment period, periodicity and rate of interest charged varies between 3 to
7 years, 3 to 6 is months and 15,13 and 11 respectively. The interest rate changed
highest for ADB/N at 15 percent followed by 13 percent and 11 percent for RBB and
NBL respectively (Table 1). All the banks provide and interest rebate of 1 percent if the
instalment is paid on time.
Table 1: Repayment period, periodicity of instalments and interest rates for biogas
loans by banks.
Bank Repayment Period
(years)
Periodicity of
instalments (months)
Interest rates
(%)
ADB/N 7 6 15
RBB 7 3 13
NBL 3 to 4 3 to 6 11
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ADB/N : Agriculture Development Bank Nepal RBB
:Rastriya Banaijya Bank
NBL : Nepal Bank Limited
In the study area, Malakheti VDC, the people have not utilized financing facilities
provided by the above-mentioned banks.
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5.1.3 Private Entrepreneurs and Other Agencies
Due consideration of following the government policy to encourage private sector
participation and realizing the fact that the government agencies will not be able to
provide services to meet the ever increasing demand for the establishment of sufficient
biogas plants, these new private companies were established to fulfill the demand.To-date more than 49 biogas companies have been registered and are being operated in
the country. In Kailali, so far, there are three companies namely Public Gobargas and
Rural Development company (PGC), Biogas Bistar Company (BGC), Rastriya Biogas
Company (RBC), involved actively in the installation of biogas plants. According to the
district profile, 1622 biogas plants installed by the government organizations and more
than 600 plants by private sectors. PGC has constructed more than 16 biogas plants and
G&C has constructed more than 17 biogas plants in the study area (Malakheti) till now.
5.2 Biogas Users
5.2.1 Characteristics of the Users
Most of the already conducted researches show that the living standard of biogas
holders is better, characteristics by large to medium land holdings, greater number of
livestock and high literacy rate (Development Part, 1997; IRDS, 2000; CMS, 1999,
East Consult, 1994). Because of this short period not surface study, all of the
important population features are close to the earlier estimated figures by the previous
studies.
The average family size of the HHs is estimated at 9.1 and literacy rate at 60% from
the information collected from 33 households covered by the study. The range of
family size varies from 4 to 25 but the average size observed is 9.1 and the literacy
rate of the users is higher than that prevailing in the rural areas of Nepal. It is so
because of the policy of loan flow of the banks for the favorably construction of biogas
plants; i.e., land holding and minimum number of livestock. In the other hand a segment
of the population represented by occupational caste, bonded labour, whose economic
activities are not land and livestock based, would always remain outside the coverage of
program. Nevertheless, livestock rearing is an important agricultural enterprise of the
poor families in general. About two-thirds of Nepal's livestock owners have less than 1hector of land and women and children contribute significantly to livestock rearing
activities (APP, 1995).
Therefore, poorer section also may be benefited with RET concerted efforts are still
necessary. To reach this section, the financial loan facilities and subsidies provided
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conveniently and easily to those poor to overcome this type of problem in the country.
5.2.2 Socio-Economic Situation
This chapter gives the profile and the socio-economic situation of the survey VDC,
namely Malakheti, Kailali, which includes the topography, land use, naturalvegetation and economic situation. The households have also been discussed.
Relevant secondary data from the past micro-studies and the profile of the district
have been referred or cited wherever applicable during the description.
5.2.2.1 Natural Resources
Kailali is a Treai district of Far Western Development Region of Nepal with an area of
about 3235 square km. About 22.4 percent of its area is agriculture land and 73
percent of the total area is forest. The remaining area includes pastures 1.3 percent,
and barren land 1.3 percent (Source: CBS 2048 census). The average land holding size is
3.45 Bigha (Malakheti) indicating limited arable land available for farming. The altitude
of the district varies from 109 meters to 1950 meters above sea level. About 60
percent of total land is Terai and rest 40 percent is hilly area (Chure Pradesh) of the
district.
5.2.2.2 Population
The district has the population of 210127 male and 207764 female. Total number of
households is estimated 73803 with average family size of 6.9. The population densityis 190.85 persons per square km. Ethnically the district is comprised of chhetries
(14.48%), Brahmin (9.58%), Thakuries (3.34%), Tharus (49.52%), occupational castes
such as Kami, Damai, Sarki, etc. (12.1%) and others (10.97%) (Source: CBS 2048 census).
In the study area (Malakheti) the population of male is 7811 and female is 7892 and
households is 2402 according to VDC record 2056/57.
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5.2.2.3 Food and Cash Crop Production
About 80% of the total population engaged in agriculture. Rice, wheat, mustard and
sugarcane are the major crops grown in the area; however, the establishment of sugar
mill at Chuha, Kailali, the cultivation of sugarcane is increasing. Increasing trend of
immigration causes deficit the food production. The process of urbanization in thearea also is another causes of deficit of food production.
5.2.2.4 Occupation and Income Sources
The total economically active population is 50 percent. The proportion of population
engaged in farming 88.4 percent (source: District profile: 2057). Income from service,
business and trade is limited but income from agriculture is comparatively high due to
the fertile Terai land. The study area is the land of migrants from the hill districts of
FWDR of different ethnic groups and Tharus of local habitant. People residing in
close proximity of the district headquarters had better charges of getting services and
running business. However, wage labour (farm labour, porter and construction work)
is considered as the minimal source of income for most of the groups except Tharus.
5.2.2.5 Land holding and Marketed Surplus
After the study, it is found that the average size of land holding of the biogas users
is 3.45 Bigha (48.3 Ropanies), that varies from 7 ropanies to 168 ropanies. All the users
are using their own land but nobody has rented others' land. The major crops grown in
the area are rice, wheat and mustard. Now sugarcane is cultivating commercially due tothe establishment of sugar mill in the district. Among the users, six were cultivating
sugarcane in their fields commercially, two were cultivating beans and one user was
cultivating potato in commercial manner. Users in the area grow substantial amount of
vegetable for their daily use. The estimated income of some users from food grains
varies from NRs 5,000 to 150,000 where as most of users use only for their daily
consumption. Commercially cultivating sugarcane and other vegetables indicates
favorable for financial institutions for the recovery of their loan, which was taken
during the establishment of biogas plants and other activities. The average market price
of rice, wheat and sugarcane has been found 550, 750 and 120 respectively.
Land Holding of the Users
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Land Holding (Bigha)
10 to 2 B2to4 D4to6 D6to8 8to10 D10to12
5.2.2.6 Livestock Ownership
The principal raw material for biogas plant operation may be used from cattle, buffalodung and agricultural residues. Therefore, it is the most important factor for operation
of plant depends on the number of cattle and buffaloes they have (or that the users
have). It is found that the average size of cattle and buffalo is 5.17 and 1.29. However,
biogas users in the area mainly used cattle dung and buffalo dung as feed to the plant.
A few number of users (five) connected their latrine to biogas digesters. The number of
cattle and buffalo ownership is must to obtain loan for financing biogas plant. The
norms established by the GGC relate the family size and cattle number, which has linked
to the size of biogas plant. The norm along with the figures obtained from the users in
Kailali district study area (Malakheti) has been presented in Annex-4 for comparison.
It is seen that 51 percent users constructed low capacity plants than the
recommended on the basis of family size. Among these, animal numbers is a serious
problem for 40 percent users i.e. due to low animal holding but 36 percent has not the
animal problem. Thirty five percent users have the capacity to construct the
recommended size but they did not do so. Thirty five percent users have
constructed the recommended sized biogas plants and 33 percent users have not
sufficient animals for regular operation.
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It is seen that there was no serious consideration during the construction of biogas
plants according to the number of animal holdings.
5.3 Constructions, Operation and Maintenance of Biogas Plant
5.3.1 Construction Company
Most of the biogas plants of the area were constructed during the period of 1999 i.e.
users were having biogas plants during last 3-4 years and some users were having as
older as 6-7 years and some were constructing recently. Of them (interviewed users)
twelve plants were constructed by Public Biogas Company (PGC), five plants were
constructed by Gobargas and Agriculture Equipment Development Company (G&C) and
sixteen plants were constructed by Gobargas Bistar Company (GBC). Though there are
more than 50 biogas companies existing in Nepal until now, only a few numbers of
companies were working in the surveyed area (Annex - 3).
Although, there were more than 4 biogas companies operating in Kailali district only a
fewer numbers of companies run their operation in a specific area. When the fewer
companies operate in an area, non-competitive elements in the marked are bound to
appear. Hence, it is desirable that monitoring of there essential gets maximum benefit
of the competitive market. If there is competition, the construction cost and other
subsidies will be minimized. This causes increase in the level of acceptance of the
technology.
5.3.2 Reasons for Installation
Biogas users were asked the reasons behind the installation of biogas plants and
the results are presented in table - 2 below. :
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Table 2 : Reasons for installation of biogas plants
Reasons Number of Users/100
units (priority)
Save fire wood 65
Save kerosene 22Smokeless Environment 76
Bright light -
Good fertilizer 54
Convenience 65
Cleanliness 22
Better health 22
Subsidy 33
Others
From above table the important reasons behind the installation mentioned by the
users are smokeless environment, save fuel wood, convenience of handling and
cooking, value of slurry as good fertilizer, availability of subsidy, which were
observed based on priority basis. There were other reasons mentioned are
cleanliness, better health and saving of kerosene which were given comparatively less
priority. Though, all the users have taken subsidy during installation, they are giving it
less value. Though most of the users of non-electricity areas installed biogas plant
expecting lighting along with cooking purpose, they all complained the quality of light
i.e., not dependable, not durable. Nevertheless, the purpose of electricity user area is
found only for the cooking purpose not for lighting purpose. Among the high priority
responses, convenience one of the most important reason has not received the same
level of treatment as others in the biogas literature.
5.3.3 Construction Cost and Subsidy
The construction cost and subsidy on biogas is different in different geographical
regions and the size of the plants of different organizations, which is presented in
table 3.
The percentage of subsidy in the total construction cost diminishes as size of the plantincreases. The subsidy rate for the same sizes of biogas plants increases as one
moves up from Terai to hills. For example, amount of subsidy QS percentage of cost is
estimated at 24.7, 36.6 and 44.3 (average) percent in Terai, accessible hills and remote
hills respectively for a 4 m3 to 10 m3 plant.
Table 3 : Construction cost and subsidy by region and size of the biogas plants:
(construction and subsidy in Rs.)
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Size of the plantsRegion
4m3 6m3 8m3 10m3
CC GS CC GS CC GS CC GS
Terai 20,000(32.5%)
6,500 23,300
(27.9%)
6,500 27,000
(20.4%)
5,500 30,400
(18.1%)
5,500
Accessiblehills
20,300(46.8%)
9,500 23,600(40.2%)
9,500 27,600(30.8%)
8,500 31,000(27.4%)
8,500
Remote hills 20,300
(56.6%)
11,500 23,600(48.7%)
11,500 27,600
(38.0%)
10,500 31,000
(33.9%)
10,500
Source : G&C and HMG/N Ministry of Science and Technology (AEPC)
CC : Construction Cost
GS : Government Subsidy
Figures in the parentheses indicate subsidy as percentage of total cost.
5.3.4 Feeding and Size of Plant
Being Terai District, farmers raise buffaloes, cattle, goats than other animals.
Therefore, the main feed for the bio-digesters is buffalo dung and cattle dung. All the
interviewed biogas plant owners were found using buffalo and cattle dung as main
feed; only 5 out of 33 owners have connected latrines also to bio-digesters
supplementing the available feed with night soil (Table-4). The level of acceptance to
connect latrines to biogas digester is less because of the conservativeness of the
users and the devoid of toilets in their houses. It is observed that most of thehouseholds are using open toilets and some uses toilet as reparation.
Size of Biogas and Number of Users
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Size of Plants(cub. m)
Table 4 : Feed, Size of plant and user's satisfaction:
Family
No. SP LC QDF QWU
Ratio
D:W VS/MS/NS
1 6 25 25 1:1 MS
2 6 35 30 1.16:1 VS
3 10 60 60 1:1 VS
4 6 9 30 30 1:1 MS
5 8 60 50 1.2:1 MS
6 8 45 45 1:1 VS
7 20 120 120 1:1 VS
8 8 60 60 1:1 VS
9 6 45 50 0.9:1 MS10 8 45 45 1:1 VS
11 8 60 60 1:1 VS
12 8 9 50 50 1:1 VS
13 8 9 50 50 1:1 MS
14 6 40 40 1:1 VS
15 6 20 25 1:1.25 MS
16 10 75 70 1.07:1 MS
17 8 45 45 1:1 MS
18 6 30 30 1:1 VS
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19 6 35 35 1:1 VS
20 6 9 40 40 1:1 MS
21 8 45 45 1:1 VS
22 8 50 50 1:1 VS
23 10 9 65 60 1.08:1 MS24 10 60 60 1:1 MS
25 8 35 35 1:1 MS
26 6 35 40 1:1.14 VS
27 10 9 70 60 1.16:1 MS
28 6 40 40 1:1 VS
29 8 55 55 1:1 VS
30 8 60 60 1:1 VS
31 6 9 40 40 1:1 MS
32 10 60 60 1:1 VS
33 6 40 40 1:1 VS
SP - Size of the plant in m3 (cubic meter)
LC - Latrine Connected
QDF - Quantity of Dung feed (KG)
QWU - Quantity of water used (liter/KG)
D:W - Dung : water ratio
VS - Very satisfied with biogas supply
MS - Moderately satisfied with biogas supply
NS - Not satisfied with biogas supplyRecommended daily feed as perGGC for 6m3 plant = 36 kg minimum
Recommended daily feed as perGGC for 10m3 plant = 60 kg minimum
It is observed that the socio cultural and religious beliefs were behind in order to
increase efficiency of the plants they have owned. It is also applicable to the other
overall development activities.
From above presented table-4, it is observed that not all the owners were using the
proper recommended dose of the dung to run plant smoothly. It is because of the few
livestock holding, conservative thinking about the use of latrines. Most of the ownersare refusing the connection of latrine to the biogas digester due to because the gas
produces from the human faeces is not acceptable for cooking purpose. Feeding in a
digester was observed irregular and the recommendation rate of feed was not
considered during feeding. Some of the owners have less dung production than the
digester's capacity.
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As far as dung: water ratio is considered satisfactory for some users but at a very
satisfactory and a few was satisfactory but there was no unsatisfactory owners
observed. It is found that use of night soil through latrine connections seems to have
supplemented the bio-digesters to run smoothly at full capacity. If the plant does not
operate with full capacity, the goal of subsidy is not met. Continuous promotional andcorrectional measures in this regard need to be introduced whereby the subsidized
plants are regularly run and operated. For this, the regulator field monitoring and
evaluation is the most.
5.3.5 Operation and Maintenance after Installation of Plants
All the users were asked about the availability of maintenance services after
installation in the area to ascertain whether these create problems or not in the
operation of plants. Most of the users reported the availability of such type of help
from the related biogas construction company whenever requested. These services
were normally attended in less than a week, however some cases were even the same
day.
Most of the users were using the slurry (mixture of dung and water) in their plants for
smooth operation. The maintenance work is the thrown of liquefied water by gas in
pipe which work completes within two minutes. All the users were firmly maintaining
their pipes, nuts, nozzles and check the leakages of the gas. In addition, it was
observed that all of the users were cleaning their stoves. The used off slurry is using
with waste materials (straw, leaves, etc) for preparing compost manure.
The maintenance work has been assisting by the supervisors provided by the
companies. Most of the companies were providing survives after the installation of the
plant by their supervisors. Public Gobargas Company has been providing two supervisors
in the study area (Malakheti VDC)
Most of the users were feeding with the capacity of the plant and a few numbers of
users were net fulfilling the requirements due to the lack of animals. Therefore, a few
numbers of plants were irregular in operation and most of the plants were in regular
operation.
Though the number of biogas plants in the area is not less, the guarantee period
provided by the companies is not reach in the end. So, there was not any problem in
maintenance and the cost of maintenance of the plants except the bulbs and mesh
(warranty Period - 6 years)
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5.4 Socio-economic Benefits of Bio-gas Technology
5.4.1 Bio-slurry as Fertilizer
The used off digested slurry is applied as fertilizer in the users field crops having the
dual purpose of dung i.e. source of energy and fertilizer. Containing more nutrients
content biogas slurry is valuable as compared to FYP (farm Yard Manure) because the
nutrients are lost by utilization (esp. Nitrogen) in FYM due to exposure to sun as
well as by leaching. The N:P:K content in the digested slurry is estimated at 2.7:1.9:2.2
respectively (CMS, 1996). The capacity of soil nutrients is replenish higher than FYM
and to some extent replaces the need for chemical fertilizer. All the users applied
digested slurry as fertilizer in the area; among them most of the users applied slurry
by preparing compost manure with other waste products like straw, leaves, twigs, etc.
which help the fast decaying and drying of slurry and few applied fresh liquid slurryin their fields. Most of the users make two pits for collecting digested slurry so that
they can make mixed manure with straws, leaves, etc.
5.4.2 Effects of Bio-gas on Fuel Wood Consumption and Health
Most of the users visited used gas for cooking purpose but also they have one lamp in
their kitchen for lighting purpose (in the areas devoid of electricity). However, due to
the low capacity, irregular consumption of feeding, season, they do not give priority on
lighting rather than cooking. The areas of electrified the gas is used for cooking
purpose only. Most of the users complained that the gas sufficiency is decreased duringwinter season.
On the average each households burnt 420 kg of fuel wood per month before the
installation of the plant which has come down to 100 kg, a least amount, after the
construction and use of biogas plants. Assuming each user saves 320 kg of fuel wood
consumption per month, the annual saving of fuel wood consumption in Kailali district with
2222 biogas users is estimated at 8532.48 metric ton per year. Its monitory value
amounts to NRs. 85.32 million per year at a price of NRs. 1000 per metric ton fuel wood.
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5.4.3 Effect of Biogas on Environment
The user households reported that stall feeding of cattle and buffaloes has
increased due to the biogas, since as member of household don't go to forest for
collection fire wood, cattle and buffaloes also will not be taken to forest for
grazing. However, these activities are not fully applicable, certainly the great portionof these activities are observed. It is said that these activities certainly reduces the
environmental hazards. Free grazing, uncontrolled mass of animal, during everywhere
is the major factors for the worsening of environment. Adoption of biogas certainly
improves the natural environment as well as social environment. Though it is difficult to
measure the value of biogas on environment, the environmental benefits of these
activities are high. If we use biogas, in our house, it is clean, safe and it does not
produce the harmful gas. This causes the reduction in the respiratory and other disease
so it is environmentally friendly.
5.4.4 Effect of Biogas on Sanitation and Health
The most important factor, which is difficult to value, is clean air within house made
possible due to biogas construction and use, which is very essential for good health. The
obnoxious fumes produced from burning fuel wood creates wide spread health hazards
in the rural areas, especially to women and children. Most of the users reported
decrease of eye diseases, cough, headaches and chest pain after the construction of
biogas plants and its use in their household. Most of users reported the unnecessary
heaps of firewood caused dirty environment and sometimes it has the home for
poisonous snakes and other enemies. Moreover, the other unnecessary straws, leavesaround their house are used for making compost manure, which make the environment
clean and sanitize, which ultimately help maintaining good health condition of the
people. In addition, the latrine connection to the biogas makes the surrounding green
and clean, which supports on the better health.
5.4.5 Effect of Biogas on Other Activities
Further more, households reported after installation of biogas plants significant time is
saved in cooking, cleaning and firewood collection, which properly used in other income
generating activities will bring great fortune to them. To fulfill the requirements of thedung for biogas plant, the additional animals were raised by the most of the users,
which is ultimately the source of income concerning their milk, meat, etc. Except
this, none of them reported starting a different new income generating activities
after the construction and use of biogas.
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There were several advantages reported by the users. Indeed, from the users point of
view, the investment on biogas plants is observed to be financially viable, if all benefits
like firewood saving, kerosene saving, labour time saving and increment in production are
properly accounted.
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Annex -1
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Annex -2
Selected Bio-gas Users of Surveyed Area Interviewed
S.N.Name of the Biogas
Holders
Address Construction Company
1. Chandra Dev Sharma MalakhetiVDC-1 PGC
2. Hark Bahadur Shahi MalakhetiVDC-2 PGC
3. Ram Datta Bhatta MalakhetiVDC-2 GGC
4. Pradeep Singh MalakhetiVDC-2 PGC
5. Damodar Bhatta MalakhetiVDC-2 GGC
6. Lai Mani Bhatta MalakhetiVDC-2 GBC
7. Sir Bahadur Rawal MalakhetiVDC-2 GBC
8. Indra Dev Bhattrai MalakhetiVDC-3 GBC
9. Kalu Ram Bhat MalakhetiVDC-3 GBC
10. Bijaya B.K. MalakhetiVDC-3 GBC
11. Hari Krishna Bhatta MalakhetiVDC-3 GGC
12. Kalu Ram Bhattrai MalakhetiVDC-3 GGC
13. BirBahadur Bhat MalakhetiVDC-3 PGC
14. Bhim Datta Bhatta MalakhetiVDC-3 PGC
15. Bir Bahadur Air MalakhetiVDC-4 PBC
16. Iswari Rawal MalakhetiVDC-4 p&e
17. Shiva Raj Bhatta MalakhettVDC-4 PBC
18. Bhanu Bhakta Joshi MalakhetiVDC-5 PGC
19. Bhanu Bhakta Joshi MalakhetiVDC-5 PBC
20. Bijay Raj Joshi MalakhetiVDC-5 PBC
21. Dhruba Bahadur Shahi MalakhetiVDC-6 PBC
22. Dashrath Pali MalakhetiVDC-6 GGC
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albinayak Pandey MaiakhetiVDC-6 PGC
irgha Bahadur Bista MalakhetiVDC-6 PGC
am Bahadur Bhat MalakhetiVDC-6 PGC
aila Ram Chaudhary MalakhetiVDC-6 PGC
aghubir Singh MaiakhetiVDC-6 PGC
ani Raj Naunyal MalakhetiVDC-7 PBC
ohan Lai Tiwari MalakhetiVDC-8 PBC
ilii Ram Khatri MalakhetiVDC-8 PBC
axman Air MalakhetiVDC-9 PBC
her Bahadur Mahara MalakhetiVDC-9 PBC
ukta Bahadur Khatri MalakhetiVDC-9 PBC
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Annex - 3
Bioqos Companies Operating in Kailali District
1. Gobargas and Agricultural Equipment Development Company (GGC)
2. Public Gobargas and Rural Development Company (PGC)
3. Gobargas Bistar Company (GBC)
4. Rastriya Gobargas Company (RGC)
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An n e x - 4 Family size, number surveyed area of livestock and size of biogas plants inKailali district in surveyed area
Family
No.
Constructed
Size of Plant
m3
FamilySize
Size recommended
as per Family Size
No. of
Livestock
Owned
Livestock No.
Recommended for
the plant size1 6 12 15 3 9-14
2 6 7 8 2 4-6
3 10 6 6 9 3-4
4 6 4 6 3 3-4
5 8 13 15 11 9-14
6 8 10 15 4 9-14
7 20 11 15 14 9-14
8 8 7 8 10 4-6
9 6 15 15 4 9-1410 8 4 6 2 3-4
11 8 Q 10 23 6-9
12 8 5 6 9 3-4
13 8 7 8 5 4-6
14 6 11 15 6 9-14
15 6 5 6 1 3-4
16 10 25 35 24 14-above
17 8 9 10 4 6-9
18 6 12 15 11 9-14
19 6 4 6 5 3-4
20 6 15 15 10 9-14
21 8 6 6 3 3-4
22 8 12 15 3 9-14
23 10 9 10 4 6-9
24 10 19 20 5 14-above
25 8 9 10 7 6-9
26 6 5 6 5 3-4
27 10 12 15 4 9-14
28 6 7 8 5 4-629 8 7 8 7 4-6
30 8 11 15 3 9-14
31 6 4 6 5 3-4
32 10 7 8 6 4-6
33 6 6 6 3 3-4
Source : GGC and users interview
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PHOTOGRAPHSAnnex - 5
Slurry Intake
Biogas Plant
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Slurry Collecting Pit after Use
Slurry Collecting Pit after Use
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Cooking by Using Gobar-gas Energy
Cooking by Using Gobar-gas Energy
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Discussion on Gobar-gas Impact with Biogas Staffs
Slurry Intake