DCRDC has started to work in the Improved Cook Stove (ICS) program since 2003 August with support from AEPC/ESAP. DCRDC has been working with Baglung, Parbat, Myagdi and Kaski districts. We have looked after Syangja and Tanahun districts for the dissemination of ICS during the low-cost extension period of ESAP-I and handed over the district to the corresponding RRESCs in ESAP-II. The improved cookstove program is the demand base subsidy program. Nationally, the ICS program has extended its scope and named as Biomass Energy Support Program (BESP) to explore the possibility of different biomass-related energy components such as bio-briquette, metal stoves, gasifiers, rocket stoves, etc.

Objectives of Biomass Energy
Specifically, the objectives are:

  • Improved capacity of local organizations to offer affordable biomass energy (BE) solutions to the rural communities with quality assurance.
  • Address the Gender, health, environmental, and socio-economic issues, including the reduction of women and children’s drudgery through the implementation of biomass energy solutions.
  • The adoption of biomass energy solutions is popularized in the rural communities

Governments Policy on Subsidy

  1. No subsidy has been provided to households mud improved cookstoves in Hills and Mid Hills of Nepal.
  2. Subsidy of NPR. 4000 for the 3-pot hole and NPR 2700 for the 2-pot hole will be provided to metal improved cookstoves in the High Mountains for cooking and space heating, as they are costly and unaffordable.
  3. Quite a number of institutions are involved in the development of ICS. These institutions have provided various kinds of support. Close relationships or contact with NGOs and donors will be established to make the direct and indirect support to ICS made by them more effective.

Main Activities on ICS

  • Provide Training to the Local level people to construct ICS.
  • Information dissemination through different means such as street drama, folk songs, debate competitions, etc.
  • Supervision, Monitoring, and follow-up of the promoters.
  • Provide TOT training to the LPO staff.
  • Exposure and experience sharing of the Promoters through meetings, workshops, etc.
  • Control Cooking Test (CCT)
  • New/Refresher training to the promoters.
  • Organize coordination meetings with Line Agencies and regional workshops.