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Varaha - Industrial Biochar in India

Converting waste corn cobs into industrial biochar

IndiaBiochar

Buyer Protection

Counts towards net zero

Awarded an A rating Carbon Removal

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Project Overview

Developed by Varaha

#2,500

Years estimated carbon permanence

#100,000

Tonnes of CO2 offtake deal with Google by 2030

Free biochar distribution to local farmers for soil enrichment

The Varaha Industrial Biochar Project in Telangana, India, uses advanced pyro-gasification technology to turn corn shanks, an agricultural by-product, into high-carbon biochar. With a carbon content of around 75%, this biochar locks away CO2 for centuries to millennia, providing one of the most durable carbon removal solutions available today.

Beyond carbon storage, the project brings direct benefits to local farming communities. Pulverized biochar is blended with bio-manure and distributed free of charge to nearby farmers, enriching soils, improving yields, and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

As India’s first Puro.earth-certified industrial biochar project, it demonstrates how large-scale carbon removal can go hand in hand with agricultural development, setting the stage for rapid expansion and global climate impact.

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What is Biochar?

Biochar is a carbon removal method where organic materials like wood or crop waste are heated in a low-oxygen environment to create a stable form of carbon called biochar. This process, known as pyrolysis, turns the carbon into a solid that can be buried in soil. Once in the soil, biochar can trap carbon for hundreds to thousands of years, helping to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. Beyond carbon removal, the biochar process also addresses waste management and enhances soil fertility, leading to improved agricultural productivity. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recognised biochar as a viable carbon removal method. Similarly, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has demonstrated biochar's significant potential in both carbon sequestration and soil health improvement.

Research

Role of biochar in carbon sequestration

Biochar in soil sequesters carbon and mitigates greenhouse gases, aiding climate change mitigation.

Biochar as a viable carbon sequestration option

Biochar production and soil mixing offer carbon sequestration benefits; biomass and soil availability support viability.

Project Certifications and Claims

Puro.earth

The facility has successfully passed audit and continues its removal operations, as well as monitoring and reporting to Puro.
Learn more

Sustainability Integrity Index

Senken uses 600+ datapoint Sustainability Integrity Index (SII) to select and onboard project developers. Only 5% of the projects we assess score high enough to make it into customer portfolios.

Socioeconomic Impact

The project creates direct value for farming communities in Telangana by transforming agricultural residues into biochar that is returned to the fields free of charge. Farmers benefit from improved soil fertility, higher crop yields, and reduced reliance on expensive chemical fertilizers. At the same time, the project generates new local employment opportunities across biochar production, handling, and distribution. By embedding climate action into agricultural value chains, the initiative strengthens rural livelihoods and supports long-term economic resilience in the region.

Environmental Impact

The project delivers durable climate benefits by converting agricultural waste into biochar that locks away carbon for centuries to millennia. Each ton of biochar produced prevents CO2 emissions that would otherwise be released through open burning or natural decomposition. Beyond carbon storage, the biochar enriches soils, increasing water retention and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, which helps lower agricultural emissions. By providing a sustainable alternative to waste disposal, the project supports healthier ecosystems, enhances soil biodiversity, and contributes to long-term land restoration.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production

Senken's Take

This project represents one of the most scalable and durable carbon removal solutions on the market. By combining industrial-scale pyrolysis with direct farmer benefits, Varaha ensures both long-term CO2 storage and positive local impact. With certification under Puro.earth, the project meets rigorous quality standards and offers buyers the confidence of transparent, verifiable removals. For companies looking to secure high-quality, durable credits with strong co-benefits, this is a standout choice.

Cutting-edge carbon removal

Trusted by Google