Prospects of biochar in climate change mitigation in Indian agriculture-an analysis

Abstract

Biochar technology in Indian agriculture is at nascent stage need widespread adoption for the benefit of enhanced soil carbon sequestration, GHG off-set, improvement in soil health and enhancing crop yields. Crop residues availability from major crops grown in the country, loggi ng and processing residues of trees and organic residues from municipal solid wastes and different recycling mode was assessed in the context of climate change mitigation. The results found that the annual surplus crop residue production is around 249 Mt may likely to increase in the near future. The charring of the residues coul d bring gas emission down about 4.8% to 10.7 % of total net GHG’s emission per annum. It can be more of benefit if adapting the refined method of production process. The cost involved for residues collection and transportation limits the adaptation however an establishment of institutional system at grass root level with farmer participation may create way to maximize climate change mitigation potential of the biomass residues. Therefore, biochar production could be the two in benefits of waste management as well as offsetting GHG of different sectors.