Ecorest Services Private Limited

Project Location: Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India

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Project Type: Carbon Sequestration through Biochar Production

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Project Overview:

 

The Salem Biochar Carbon Sequestration Project is an innovative initiative aimed at mitigating climate change by producing biochar from agricultural residues in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. This project focuses on converting waste biomass, such as rice husks, coconut shells, and sugarcane bagasse, into biochar—a stable form of carbon that can be sequestered in soils for long periods, reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. The project aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, reduce waste burning, and improve soil health, all while generating carbon credits under Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).

The project will be implemented in collaboration with local farmers and communities, and it will contribute to creating local employment opportunities, improving farm productivity, and reducing environmental pollution caused by open burning of agricultural residues.

 

Objectives:

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1. Carbon Sequestration:
   The primary objective of the project is to sequester carbon by converting agricultural waste into biochar. The project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by preventing the burning of agricultural residues, which releases large amounts of CO2 and other harmful pollutants.

2. Soil Health Improvement:
   The biochar produced will be used as a soil amendment to improve soil fertility, enhance water retention, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. This will support sustainable agricultural practices and increase productivity for local farmers.

3. Waste-to-Wealth:
   By using agricultural waste as a feedstock for biochar production, the project will help reduce the environmental impacts of waste disposal. It will also create a new revenue stream for local farmers who can sell agricultural residues to the project for biochar production.

4. Community Engagement and Livelihood Generation:
   The project will engage with local farmers, creating opportunities for capacity-building and employment. Farmers will receive training in biochar production and its benefits, contributing to improved livelihoods and community resilience.

 

Project Key Activities:

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1. Biomass Collection and Processing:
   The project will collect biomass from local farms, primarily agricultural residues such as rice husks, sugarcane bagasse, and coconut shells. This biomass will be processed in specially designed pyrolysis units to produce biochar.

2. Biochar Production and Utilization:
   The biomass will be converted into biochar through a controlled pyrolysis process, where the organic matter is heated in the absence of oxygen. The resulting biochar will be used as a soil amendment for local agricultural activities, improving soil health and increasing carbon sequestration in the soil.

3. Monitoring and Verification:
   The project will adhere to rigorous monitoring and verification processes to track the amount of carbon sequestered through biochar. Carbon credits will be generated and verified under the Verra Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), ensuring the credibility and transparency of the carbon offset generated.

4. Capacity Building and Community Outreach:
   Local farmers and community members will be trained in biochar production techniques, as well as the environmental and economic benefits of biochar. The project will also raise awareness about sustainable agriculture and the importance of reducing waste burning.

 

Project Benefits:

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• Environmental Impact:
  The project will reduce carbon emissions by preventing the burning of agricultural residues, which otherwise release large amounts of CO2. It will also increase soil carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change over the long term.

• Improved Soil Health:
  Biochar acts as a powerful soil amendment, enhancing soil fertility, improving nutrient retention, increasing soil pH, and promoting healthy microbial activity. This will lead to more productive and sustainable farming systems.

• Reduction in Waste Burning:
  The project will help address the issue of open burning of agricultural residues, which contributes to air pollution, poor air quality, and health issues. By converting waste into biochar, the project provides a cleaner alternative.

• Economic Benefits for Farmers:
  Local farmers will be able to sell their agricultural waste for biochar production, creating a new income source. Additionally, the use of biochar in farming can lead to higher crop yields, improving food security and farm incomes.

• Carbon Credit Generation:
  The project will generate verified carbon credits that can be sold on the carbon market. These credits will be generated through the verified carbon sequestration achieved by biochar and can help fund further climate change mitigation activities.

 

Social and Economic Impacts:

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• Job Creation:
  The project will generate employment opportunities in biochar production, biomass collection, and carbon credit verification. This will contribute to local economic development in the region.

• Capacity Building and Training:
  The project will provide training for farmers and local communities on sustainable farming practices, biochar production, and carbon credit systems. This will help build local capacity and knowledge for long-term sustainability.

• Improved Livelihoods:
  By enhancing agricultural productivity and creating new economic opportunities through biochar production, the project will help improve the livelihoods of local farmers and rural communities.

 

Project Timeline:

• Year 1:

  • Establishment of biochar production units.

  • Biomass collection and initial processing.

  • Training and capacity building for farmers.

  • Monitoring and baseline data collection.

• Year 2-3:

  • Full-scale biochar production and distribution for soil application.

  • Continued community outreach and farmer engagement.

  • Ongoing monitoring, reporting, and verification of carbon sequestration.

• Year 4 and beyond:

  • Expansion of biochar use in local agriculture.

  • Continued sale of carbon credits to generate funding for the project’s sustainability.

  • Long-term impact assessment and adaptive management.

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The Salem Biochar Carbon Sequestration Project represents a unique opportunity to address multiple environmental and socio-economic challenges in Tamil Nadu. By converting agricultural residues into biochar, the project not only helps mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration but also improves soil health, reduces waste burning, and creates new livelihoods for local farmers. With the support of Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), this project will ensure transparent and credible carbon offset generation, contributing to India’s climate goals while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.