#Biochar #Gurugram #Côte d'Ivoire #Ivory Coast #Varaha

Varaha Launches the Varaha Industrial Partners Program to Tackle Carbon Emissions

Varaha, a leading carbon dioxide removal (CDR) project developer, has officially introduced the Varaha Industrial Partners Program (VIPP). This global initiative is designed to enhance carbon elimination through the conversion of biomass into biochar, specifically focused on operations in Côte d'Ivoire. The program offers biomass processing facilities with access to sustainable feedstock the opportunity to generate high-integrity carbon credits by using Varaha's advanced digital measurement and verification platforms.

As part of the VIPP launch, Varaha has formed a strategic partnership with Revata Carbon and Valency International. Together, they aim to establish an industrial-scale carbon elimination project that converts cashew nut shells—a byproduct of Côte d'Ivoire's burgeoning cashew economy—into high-quality biochar through controlled gasification methods.

The Challenge of Cashew Waste Management

Côte d'Ivoire stands as a significant player in the global cashew trade. However, the rapid growth of this industry has also exacerbated environmental concerns, particularly regarding the management of byproducts such as cashew shells. These waste products often lack viable end-use options, leading to severe management challenges where a substantial portion is simply burned, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions rather than mitigating them. The VIPP project aims to convert these waste shells into biochar, facilitating their transformation into valuable soil amendments, thus enhancing long-term carbon storage while improving soil fertility for local farmers.

To oversee the implementation of the VIPP, Varaha will manage the measurement, reporting, and verification processes essential for carbon credit commercialization. This includes structuring and executing sales to corporations and institutional buyers, with credits being validated in collaboration with Puro.earth under its established biochar methodology. Meanwhile, Revata Carbon will focus on developing the local ecosystem for raw materials, coordinating with local stakeholders, and ensuring the efficient conversion of cashew shells into high-quality biochar.

Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Goals

Valency International, backed by British International Investment, will play a critical role in supplying raw materials and leveraging their extensive supply chain expertise to bolster the project's efforts towards decarbonization in agricultural value chains. The partnership has been welcomed by industry leaders. Madhur Jain, CEO of Varaha, expressed enthusiasm over the collaboration, noting that the combined leadership and ground-level development capabilities of Revata and Valency pave the way for sustainable carbon elimination initiatives across West Africa and beyond.

Vaibav Jain, founder and CEO of Revata Carbon, emphasized the significance of this partnership in establishing high-quality carbon credits through biochar assets, asserting that this venture showcases Africa's potential as a responsible region for biochar projects. He noted it as a giant leap towards converting agricultural waste into sustainable resources while simultaneously supporting local communities and industries.

Sumit Jain, CEO of Valency International, mirrored this sentiment, highlighting the partnership's role in actively decarbonizing their value chains starting with cashew processing, which yields substantial waste products. The collaboration demonstrates an innovative approach to environmental sustainability, integrating climate-positive solutions directly into operational models.

Invitation for Participation

With the VIPP now launched, Varaha invites industrial operators interested in participating to connect with them via [contact link]. The initiative not only symbolizes a progressive step in combating climate change but also offers a sustainable pathway for agricultural producers in Côte d'Ivoire to generate economic value from their waste.

In summary, Varaha is at the forefront of CDR projects in Asia, with a mission to implement climate solutions through smallholder farmers and enhance livelihoods in rural areas. Established in 2022, Varaha continues to lead the charge in advancing regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, biochar applications, and rock weathering projects throughout South Asia and now expanding into Côte d'Ivoire, managing over 20 carbon projects across multiple countries.