The President of India, Droupadi Murmu has invited representatives of NDDB-promoted Mujkuva Sakhi Khad Sahkari Mandali Ltd (MSKSML), Anand for an ‘At Home Reception’ during the Republic Day function on January 26.

Hemaben Nareshbhai Padhiyar, Chairman and Jagrutiben Sanjaybhai Padhiyar, Secretary of MSKSML will be participating in the reception, stated an official release here, on Saturday.

While praising their achievement, Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB said, “The women of MSKSM, first of its kind khad mandali, are emerging as torchbearers of innovative, women-led rural livelihood initiatives that positively impact the environment. The invitation extended to Hemaben and Jagrutiben, who transformed dung into wealth, marks a significant milestone highlighting the empowerment of rural women. Their leadership has driven sustainable agricultural practices.”

Both of the women have been instrumental in spreading NDDB’s biogas and organic fertilizer model nationwide, the release added. “The biogas plants not only replaced traditional kitchen fuels like firewood and LPG (saving ₹1500 per month) but also helped the women earn additional income from slurry up to ₹3000 per month,” stated Jagruti Padhiyar.

The National Dairy Development Board’s (NDDB) has been associated with Mujkuva village since 2017. Recognising the vast potential of bovine dung, which can meet up to 50 per cent of India’s LPG needs and 40 per cent of its NPK requirements, NDDB aimed to pilot dung-based biogas plants. With the success of the first few biogas plants, the number of installations grew rapidly and now there are 182 biogas plants in the village, the release added.