Turning Cow Manure into Biogas: Farmers in Jatitengah Village Gain New Energy Source

Bojonegoro – A community service program in Jatitengah Village, Sugihwaras District, Bojonegoro Regency, has introduced innovative ways to improve farmers’ welfare by transforming cow manure into organic fertilizer and renewable energy in the form of biogas. The initiative, carried out from July to October 2020, addressed the pressing issue of livestock waste that was previously left untreated in open areas, causing unpleasant odors and contributing to environmental problems.

The program involved multiple stages, including training for farmers on managing cow manure, the construction of a biogas digester, and practical demonstrations on how biogas can be used as an alternative energy source. With technical support from cooperative partners and experts, a pilot biogas installation was successfully built, capable of serving several households. Farmers were also trained to maintain the system and to use the by-product, bio-slurry, as high-quality organic fertilizer for their crops.

Economic analysis showed that the installation of an 8m³ biogas digester, costing around IDR 16 million, could save participating households up to IDR 3.36 million annually by substituting LPG with biogas. The project demonstrated positive investment results with a payback period of less than five years, ensuring long-term sustainability. Beyond financial benefits, the program also improved environmental health by reducing methane emissions and minimizing reliance on firewood.

Local farmers expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that biogas not only reduced household expenses but also turned waste into valuable resources. The program’s outcomes included journal publications, media coverage, video documentation, and most importantly, the establishment of a functioning biogas installation that directly benefits the community.