Biochar: A Multi-sectoral Solution for India's Climate and Waste Challenges
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment & Ecology (Biochar, Carbon Sequestration, Carbon Markets, Greenhouse Gases - Nitrous Oxide (N2O)), Agriculture (Crop Residue Management, Soil Health), Science & Tech.
Mains:
GS Paper 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Major crops cropping patterns (crop residue); Economics of animal-rearing (biomass); Inclusive growth and issues arising from it (rural jobs).
Key Highlights from the News
In the context of the Indian carbon market set to begin in 2026, CO2 removal technologies like Biochar are highly important.
Biochar is a carbon-rich charcoal made from agricultural residue and solid waste.
It provides a sustainable solution for waste management and carbon sequestration.
Utilizing 30-50% of India's agricultural waste could remove 0.1 gigatons of CO2 annually.
Byproducts of biochar production, such as syngas and bio-oil, can be used to generate electricity and as alternatives to diesel/kerosene.
Biochar is an excellent carbon sink. It can store carbon in soil for 100 to 1000 years.
Biochar has applications in various sectors, including agriculture, construction, carbon capture, and wastewater treatment.
In agriculture, it increases soil moisture and reduces the emission of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O).
However, challenges like the lack of an organized market, inconsistency in carbon accounting, insufficient policy support, and lack of awareness hinder the widespread adoption of biochar.
To fully utilize its potential, research and development, policy integration, recognition in the carbon market, and creation of rural employment opportunities are necessary.
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