Varaha – Artisanal Biochar in India
Durable carbon removal and restoration of community lands in India
IndiaBiocharBuyer ProtectionCounts towards net zeroCounts towards net neutrality Carbon Removal
86%
Overall ScoreVaraha – Artisanal Biochar in India
86%
Quality Score
This project was certified by the 500+ data points in Senken's Due Diligence process.
Developed by
#4,600
Onboarded farmers#15,000
Acres transformed#180,000
Tonnes of carbon sequesteredVaraha’s biochar project is a pioneering initiative addressing the ecological threat posed Prosopis juliflora – a highly resilient and invasive tree that thrives in the arid climate of Gujarat and Rajasthan. It disrupts local ecosystems in areas such as the Banni Grasslands by depleting groundwater and taking over indigenous vegetation, which has a significant negative impact on both biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities.
Varaha tackles this issue by converting the invasive Prosopis into biochar, a carbon-rich material that aids in carbon capture and enhances soil fertility. Through the integration of advanced technology and ethical practices, Varaha offers a sustainable solution with lasting environmental and social impact.
Originally piloted in the Banni Grasslands, the success of this method has led to its expansion throughout Gujarat and Rajasthan, underscoring its effectiveness in restoring ecosystems and supporting local communities.
Varaha tackles this issue by converting the invasive Prosopis into biochar, a carbon-rich material that aids in carbon capture and enhances soil fertility. Through the integration of advanced technology and ethical practices, Varaha offers a sustainable solution with lasting environmental and social impact.
Originally piloted in the Banni Grasslands, the success of this method has led to its expansion throughout Gujarat and Rajasthan, underscoring its effectiveness in restoring ecosystems and supporting local communities.
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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.
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
Carbon Standards International Artisan Pro
The Carbon Standards International has verified the biochar carbon removal, ensuring a 100-year permanence for carbon storage.
AI Quality Framework
Senken follows a 500+ datapoint AI Quality Framework to select and onboard project developers. Only 5% of the projects we assess score high enough to make it into customer portfolios.
Score Breakdown
1. Project Description
100%
2. Carbon Impact
88%
3. Beyond Carbon
84%
4. Reporting Process (dMRV)
84%
5. Senken Quality Assessment
75%
Overall Score
86%
Socioeconomic Impact
Varaha is strengthening local livelihoods by restoring natural fodder and improving soil quality—all while creating employment opportunities. This is being done through partnerships with over 50 artisan biochar producers and reclaiming native grasslands.
Environmental Impact
The invasive spread of Prosopis juliflora is disrupting local ecosystems by displacing the native grasses of the Banni Grassland. This is significantly harming biodiversity and increasing soil salinity, which threatens local wildlife and vegetation. Its deep roots deplete water resources, harden the soil, and prevent organic matter migration, further degrading the environment.
Senken's Take
In the early 1970s, the Indian government introduced the invasive species Prosopis juliflora to help combat land salinisation and desertification in the Kutch region. However, this plant, which orignates from Central America and the Caribbean, quickly spread, taking over pastures and farmlands across India, severely disrupting ecosystems, land use, and biodiversity.
Varaha’s innovative project offers a circular solution that engages 50 artisan biochar producers to transform this invasive wood into biochar. This biochar is then used to enhance soil quality on farms, serving as a soil amendment that adjusts pH, improves water retention, and stores essential nutrients. Not only does the project create a long-term carbon sink, but it also strengthens local livelihoods, eradicates the invasive species, and supports native biodiversity restoration, contributing to the health of the land.
As an innovative tech solution developer Varaha's biochar production process has been particularly selected due to its advanced digital MRV technology solution, KALKI. This unique system monitors, reports, and verifies biochar production and the carbon sequestration achieved through the project.
Varaha’s innovative project offers a circular solution that engages 50 artisan biochar producers to transform this invasive wood into biochar. This biochar is then used to enhance soil quality on farms, serving as a soil amendment that adjusts pH, improves water retention, and stores essential nutrients. Not only does the project create a long-term carbon sink, but it also strengthens local livelihoods, eradicates the invasive species, and supports native biodiversity restoration, contributing to the health of the land.
As an innovative tech solution developer Varaha's biochar production process has been particularly selected due to its advanced digital MRV technology solution, KALKI. This unique system monitors, reports, and verifies biochar production and the carbon sequestration achieved through the project.
Strong social impact and co-benefits
Nature-based with premium quality
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