Home / Environment / Goa's 'Waste' Becomes Soil Gold with New Biochar Initiative
Goa's 'Waste' Becomes Soil Gold with New Biochar Initiative
27 Aug
Summary
- Agricultural waste is being transformed into valuable biochar.
- Biochar initiative aims to improve soil health and store carbon.
- Farmers may earn additional income through carbon credits.
Material often treated as agricultural waste could soon become a valuable resource for farmers in Goa. ICAR-CCARI has launched a pilot initiative in Keri and Priol, Ponda, to explore the use of biochar in kulagar farms. Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced by heating biomass, offers long-term soil carbon stability.
The project examines converting farm biomass into biochar and applying it as a soil amendment. This initiative addresses the needs of Goa's lateritic soils, which struggle with water and nutrient retention. Researchers anticipate biochar will enhance moisture and nutrient retention, boost soil biodiversity, and facilitate long-term carbon storage.
Furthermore, the initiative highlights the potential for carbon-credit programs to provide farmers with additional income. This dual benefit of environmental sustainability and economic opportunity is a key focus, aiming to recycle farm-generated biomass effectively.
