Technology to produce biogas from water hyacinth

SD College joins hands with social entrepreneurs to popularise it

The Centre for Research on Aquatic Resources (CRAR) of Sanatana Dharma (SD) College here has joined hands with two social entrepreneurs to popularise a technology used to produce biogas from water hyacinth. A demonstration titled Paayal Jwaala showcasing water hyacinth based biogas production was recently inaugurated by Agriculture Minister P. Prasad at Cherthala. “Water hyacinth is considered as one of the most troublesome aquatic plants. However, several economic benefits could be derived from the invasive weed. Biogas generation utilising water hyacinth is one among them. We can generate around two hours of biogas from 2.5 kg of water hyacinth. A water hyacinth based biogas plant for households can be set up at a cost between ₹11,000 and ₹15,000,” said Anuroop G., a Thanneermukkom-based social entrepreneur. He is joined by Vinod Viverra Kanjirathinkal of Cherthala and EichhoTech, a student start-up based at SD College in popularising the concept.