Question

Identify the agencies which are involved in developing the technology of biogas production.
(A) Khadi and Village Industries Commission
(B) Indian Farmers Welfare Association
(C) Indian Biogas Production Institute
(D) Indian Agricultural Research Institute
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (B), (C) and (D) only
• C. (A) and (D) only
• D. (B) and (C) only

Hint:

Key organizations for Biogas in India:
$\bullet$ IARI: Indian Agricultural Research Institute
$\bullet$ KVIC: Khadi and Village Industries Commission
Both developed rural gobar gas plants.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Biogas is a clean, combustible gaseous fuel generated via the anaerobic microbial digestion of cattle dung and biomass, spearheaded by national research and rural development agencies in India.

Step 1: Background of Biogas Technology in India:
In rural India, cattle dung (commonly called 'gobar') is available in large quantities.
Dung is rich in methanogens (Methanobacterium), which digest cellulosic material anaerobically inside biogas plants to produce biogas (rich in methane, $CH_4$, along with $CO_2$ and $H_2$).

Step 2: Identifying the Developing Agencies:
The practical technology and design of standardized biogas plants (such as the floating gas-holder type model) were developed in India through the combined and collaborative research efforts of:
1. IARI - Indian Agricultural Research Institute (Statement D)
2. KVIC - Khadi and Village Industries Commission (Statement A)

Step 3: Verification of Options:
- Statements (A) and (D) accurately represent the authorized institutes mentioned in standard biological literature.
- Organizations listed under (B) and (C) are fictitious or uninvolved in the primary development of this technology.
Therefore, (A) and (D) are correct.