NIFA Biogeyser won first prize in the first Final Science and Technology competition (General public biology category) organized by Directorate of Science and Technology, Govt. of NWFP, Peshawar on Nov. 10-11, 2009. The prize was awarded by the provincial Sec. Information and included a medal, distinction certificate and a cash award.

NIFA has developed a simple, economical and environment friendly Bio-geyser. The principle on which the geyser works is Microbiological decomposition of lignocellulosic materials of household and agricultural origin accompanied by generation of heat. During composting of agricultural waste a sizeable heat is produced which can reach as high as 90oC within 4-5 days depending upon the nature of decomposing material and microbial diversity. The bio-geyser is meant for manifold benefits like:

1. The end product will be quality compost for nurseries and horticultural crops.
2. Hot water can be obtained with out any input cost.
3. The geyser is environment friendly by utilizing the fruit and vegetable wastes of the house as well as agricultural wastes of fields.

Encouraged from the result, a modest bio-geyser facility at NIFA’s mosque has now been established that uses lignocellulose and an assortment of effective microorganisms. To begin with, the facility is providing warm (40-50oC) water to 100-150 persons per day for ablution. Another small scale bio-geyser has undergone initial trials and working to the satisfaction. For poor farmers a simple low cost bio-geyser can be prepared even in one thousand rupees initial cost with no running expenditures.

Since it is the first ever bio-geyser constructed in the country, therefore, NIFA plans to patent this technology. The technology will serve as prototype for resource poor segments of the society as well as for saving energy.