Sukhet Model: LPG cylinders in exchange for cow dung

Context:

An initiative called the Sukhet Model is being implemented in Bihar’s Madhubani district, which involves conferring LPG in exchange for cow dung and farmyard waste.

Relevance:

GS-III: Environment and Ecology (Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Conservation of Environment and Ecology)

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About the Sukhet Model
2. Benefits of the Sukhet Model

About the Sukhet Model

• The Sukhet Model was launched by the agricultural department as part of the climate resilient agricultural programme in 2019.
• It is an initiative by Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University (RPAU) in Sukhet village in Bihar’s Madhubani district, which allows women to get their LPG cylinders refilled every two months in exchange for cow dung and farmyard waste.
• Under Sukhet’s model, two local workers visit households that have cattle to collect dung and farmyard waste and bring it to a vermicomposting yard.
• A family has to provide 1200 kgs of cow dung and wet garbage waste every two months to get their LPG gas cylinders refilled for free. The family needs to meet the target of 20 kg of cow dung and garbage waste every day.
• The waste collected from the villages is used in manufacturing vermicompost, which is made available to farmers.

Benefits of the Sukhet Model

• The Sukhet Model ensures four-fold benefits:
  1. Ensures a pollution-free environment at home,
  2. Waste disposal,
  3. Monetary assistance for LPG cylinders, and
  4. Availability of organic fertilisers to the local farmers.
• The Villagers get good quality vermicompost which is cheaper than the market price.
• Implementing the Sukhet model in various districts of Bihar will also generate employment for the local youth and to make village soil nutrient self-sufficient.
• The program was lauded by Prime Minister Modi in one of his episodes of ‘Mann ki Baat’. He said that the implementation of Sukhet model in the village has brought ease to the household and has given strength to the Swachh Bharat Mission, besides providing benefits to the farmers.

-Source: The Hindu