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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