Biochar

Context:

As India advances its commitment toward net-zero emissions by 2070, scalable and cost-effective carbon removal technologies are essential. Among these, biochar—a charcoal-like substance produced from biomass—is emerging as a high-potential tool for carbon sequestration, soil health enhancement, and waste management.

What is Biochar?

Biochar is produced through pyrolysis, a process that heats organic material (like crop residues, forest waste, or manure) in the absence of oxygen. Unlike combustion, pyrolysis preserves the carbon content in a stable form that can remain in soil for centuries.

Benefits of Biochar in the Indian Context

1. Carbon Sequestration

• Biochar can store carbon for hundreds to thousands of years.
• According to the IPCC, biochar has the potential to sequester up to 2.6 gigatonnes of CO₂ annually globally.
• In India, with abundant agricultural waste, the technical potential could reach 100–150 Mt CO₂ per year by 2050.

2. Waste Management Solution

• India generates over 500 million tonnes of crop residues annually.
• Biochar offers an alternative to stubble burning, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, reducing air pollution and black carbon emissions.

3. Soil Health and Productivity

• Enhances soil fertility, water retention, and microbial activity.
• Particularly useful in degraded or arid soils found across central and peninsular India.
• Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, thus supporting sustainable agriculture.

4. Livelihood Opportunities

• Rural entrepreneurs, farmers, and SHGs can establish decentralized biochar units.
• Encourages green jobs and circular economy practices.
• Supports India’s Startup India and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions.

Current Gaps:

• No national policy framework for biochar in carbon markets or agriculture.
• Lack of standardized certification and verification mechanisms for carbon credits.
• Low awareness among farmers and limited R&D support.

Emerging Opportunities:

• Voluntary carbon markets increasingly recognize biochar as a durable carbon removal solution.
• India can monetize biochar projects under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement through bilateral or international cooperation.
• Government initiatives like PM-PRANAM, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, and GOBARdhan can integrate biochar incentives.

International Examples for India to Learn From

• Australia and the U.S. have developed strong biochar protocols under voluntary carbon standards like Verra and Puro.Earth.
• Kenya and Ghana use biochar for both carbon credits and soil restoration, especially in degraded lands.

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