Lucknow, Sept. 4 -- Kira Gram Panchayat in Shahabad tehsil of Rampur district has set a benchmark in self-reliance and sustainable rural development through an innovative initiative by the Panchayati Raj department. An 85-cubic-metre biogas plant established in the village has transformed rural life by generating about 51 kg of biogas daily, which powers a generator that has already produced 25,200 units of electricity, a government spokesperson said on Wednesday. This has resulted in direct savings of Rs 2.5 lakh for the panchayat. The electricity generated is being used not only for irrigation and agriculture but also to operate fodder machines, community buildings, and other rural infrastructure, effectively reducing the village's dependence on external energy sources. According to the spokesperson, the project has also brought in an additional income of Rs 53,000, which is being reinvested in local development works. In a further effort to strengthen the rural economy, the panchayat has established an oil press unit to extract pure mustard oil from locally grown produce, supporting the branding and marketing of local products. By-products from the biogas plant are being used as organic manure, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and promoting natural farming practices. The initiative has also created local employment opportunities, with technical training provided to village youth. Panchayati Raj minister Om Prakash Rajbhar praised Kira's success as an inspirational model for the entire state. Director of Panchayati Raj, Amit Singh, described it as a living example of the department's vision: empowered panchayat, self-reliant village, strong nation....