#India #carbon removal #Microsoft #Gurugram #Varaha

Introduction

In a significant move against climate change, Varaha, a key player in carbon dioxide removal (CDR), has announced a collaboration with Microsoft aimed at removing over 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ in the next three years. This partnership will leverage biochar and smallholder farmers in India to tackle carbon emissions effectively while supporting local communities in a sustainable manner.

Project Details

Under the agreement, Varaha will construct 18 industrial gasification reactors throughout India's cotton-producing regions. These reactors are expected to operate over a period of 15 years, with projections estimating that they will collectively remove over 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide across their lifetime. By sourcing cotton stalks, which are typically discarded or burned, Varaha will repurpose this waste into biochar—a process that not only sequesters carbon but also enhances soil health.

Benefits for Farmers and Communities

This innovative project will have a direct and positive impact on local farmers, who often struggle with the economic burden associated with crop residue waste disposal. Traditional practices like open-field burning release harmful pollutants, exacerbating air quality issues. By creating a market for cotton stalks, Varaha not only helps reduce environmental pollution but also provides farmers with an economically viable alternative.

• - Improving Air Quality: The initiative significantly tackles the combustion of agricultural waste by providing an alternative method for utilizing cotton stalks. This method effectively reduces harmful PM 2.5 emissions, thus improving local air quality during the critical burning seasons.
• - Promoting Regenerative Agriculture: Farmers involved in the project will adopt regenerative farming practices, including the application of biochar to their soils. This practice will enhance soil quality, water retention, and crop yields over time, creating a more sustainable agricultural system while restoring the ecosystem.
• - Enhancing Farmer Livelihoods: By participating in this groundbreaking initiative, farmers will receive payments for both the biomass they supply and their commitment to environmentally responsible practices. This financial boost directly contributes to elevating their livelihoods.

Executive Insights

Madhur Jain, the CEO of Varaha, articulated the transformative potential of this agreement, stating, "This agreement demonstrates that high-integrity carbon removal can drive transformative co-benefits for communities and ecosystems. We're not just removing carbon—we're creating economic incentives for farmers to mitigate open burning of crop residues." His vision underlines the dual objective of reducing carbon footprints while empowering local communities.

The First Reactor and Research Initiatives

The first gasification reactor is set to launch at Varaha's 52-acre research farm in Maharashtra. Here, the company collaborates with farmers to test and refine sustainable agricultural practices in real-world settings. Through Microsoft's investment, the project will expand quickly, ensuring that farmers play a central role in climate solutions.

Implications for Asian Carbon Markets

This agreement marks a significant development in recognizing Asia's potential for high-quality carbon removal initiatives. Biochar stands out as a durable carbon storage solution that not only sequesters carbon but also aligns with agricultural mass practices, making it a promising strategy for long-term carbon dioxide removal.

Phil Goodman, the program director of CDR at Microsoft, emphasizes the importance of this partnership, stating, "This offtake agreement broadens the diversity of Microsoft's carbon removal portfolio with Varaha's biochar project design that is both scalable and durable. It represents a step forward in scaling biochar CDR growth in Asia and advancing co-benefits for farmers—improved soils, cleaner air, and shared economic opportunity."

Conclusion

The collaboration between Varaha and Microsoft exemplifies a groundbreaking effort in addressing climate change through community engagement and innovative agricultural practices. By utilizing local resources and improving farmer livelihoods, this initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to carbon removal, paving the way for sustainable development in the region. Varaha continues to lead by example as it pioneers climate solutions that benefit both the people and the planet.