LocationsUNDP Tajikistan presented the results of a cost-benefit analysis, highlighting the advantages of biodigesters in rural Tajikistan. The findings were shared with the Government counterparts, International Partners private sector, businesses, banks, and civil society.
UNDP’s Biogas Helps Households Save $2,500 in Net Annual Benefits
August 1, 2025
From left to right: Denise Lüthi, Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation; Sudipto Mukerjee, UNDP Resident Representative in Tajikistan; Nigina Anvari, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Tajikistan; Rajesh Uike, Ambassador of India to Tajikistan; and Umed Vahobov, Programme Specialist at UNDP Tajikistan — during the Biogas Workshop held under UNDP’s “Empowering Rural Women Through Access to Renewable Energy via Biodigesters” project.
Nigora Fazliddin/ UNDP Tajikistan
Organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Neksigol under UNDP’s “Empowering Rural Women Through Access to Renewable Energy via Biodigesters” project, the workshop brought together relevant government officials, technical experts, international partners — including Switzerland, India, the EU, the Islamic Development Bank — as well as media representatives.
In her opening remarks, Nigina Anvari, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Tajikistan, expressed the ministry’s strong support for the UNDP project implemented in partnership with PO Neksigol.
Nigina Anvari, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Tajikistan, delivers opening remarks.
Nigora Fazliddin/ UNDP Tajikistan
“This project serves as a successful example of using biogas technology to provide households with clean and renewable energy”, Anvari stated. “In addition to improving rural living conditions, it contributes to environmental protection and the efficient use of agricultural land”.
Denise Luethi, Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to green development and encouraged greater investment in practical, community-level solutions such as biogas.
Denise Lüthi, Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, calling for more investment in practical, community-level solutions like biogas.
Nigora Fazliddin/ UNDP Tajikistan
“Yet much finance focuses on policy. Are we investing enough in practical solutions like biogas systems, impacting its finance and green infrastructure?” She questioned. “Climate financing must reach the end users.”
Rajesh Uike, Ambassador of India to Tajikistan, reflecting on India’s experience and collaboration under South-South cooperation, stated: “We are ready to work with Tajikistan on advancing green technologies, agricultural modernisation, and rural empowerment.”
Rajesh Uike, Ambassador of India to Tajikistan, highlights India’s support for green technologies and rural empowerment in Tajikistan.
Nigora Fazliddin/ UNDP Tajikistan
Sudipto Mukerjee, UNDP Resident Representative in Tajikistan, emphasised that this initiative must not be a one-off project — it needs to continue and reach more people in rural Tajikistan. “The government cannot do it alone. UNDP cannot do it alone. But together — with ministries, businesses, banks, NGOs, and communities — we can,” he said.
Sudipto Mukerjee, UNDP Resident Representative in Tajikistan, stresses the need for joint efforts to expand access to clean energy in rural communities.
Nigora Fazliddin/ UNDP Tajikistan
At the end of the workshop, all parties unanimously voiced their support for expanding the use of biogas technology in Tajikistan. Their collective commitment was summed up in a powerful message: “What we plant today in terms of knowledge, innovation, and cooperation will save the world our children will live in tomorrow.”
Since the project’s launch in July 2024, 37 biodigesters have been installed in rural communities across the Districts of Republican Subordination (Varzob, Hisor, and Rudaki) and the Khatlon region (Hamadoni, Shamsiddin Shohin, Abdurahmoni Jomi, Farkhor, Kulob, Jayhun, Vose, and Danghara).
Economic Benefits for Rural Households
Beyond providing access to clean energy, the project delivers significant economic, environmental, and social benefits. On average, each household gains 20,541 TJS in net annual benefits, even after accounting for maintenance costs.
Annual Benefit Breakdown per Household:
- Fuel Cost Savings: 2,639 TJS
- Labour Time Savings: 3,978 TJS
- Health Cost Savings: 478 TJS
- Biofertilizer Use and Sale: 5,235 TJS
- Greenhouse Revenue: 9,562 TJS
- Total Annual Benefit: 21,892 TJS
- Net After Maintenance: 20,541 TJS
These savings are substantial in the rural Tajik context, improving household livelihoods while enhancing indoor air quality, health outcomes, and climate resilience.
UNDP, alongside the wider UN system and development partners, remains firmly committed to supporting Tajikistan on this path. We will continue to bring our technical expertise, global experience, and financial resources to help this beautiful country meet its climate and development goals.
Together, let us build a Tajikistan where every home has clean energy, every woman feels empowered, every child receives the care they deserve, and every family is happy and healthy.
Media inquiries: Nigora Fazliddin, Communications Analyst, UNDP Tajikistan – nigorai.fazliddin@undp.org
