#India #Biochar #Gurugram #Côte d'Ivoire #Varaha

Varaha's Initiative for Biochar in Côte d'Ivoire

On February 19, 2026, Varaha unveiled its latest initiative, the Varaha Industrial Partners Program (VIPP), aimed at advancing sustainable practices in carbon removal through the innovative use of biochar. This initiative marks a significant step towards promoting environmental sustainability in Côte d'Ivoire, a country recognized for its burgeoning cashew industry.

Addressing Environmental Challenges

As the cashew sector expands, the waste produced from processing—particularly cashew shells—poses a major environmental challenge. Traditionally, these byproducts have limited uses and are often burned, which adversely affects air quality and contributes to climate change. To combat this issue, the VIPP project proposes converting cashew shells into high-quality biochar using controlled gasification techniques. This process not only repurposes waste but also enhances soil fertility as the biochar can be utilized as a soil amendment, ultimately supporting farmers by contributing to better crop yields and long-term carbon storage.

Collaborative Efforts for Carbon Removal

Varaha's role in the VIPP framework includes spearheading measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes and managing the commercialization of carbon credits. The credits generated will be structured and sold to corporate entities and institutions, with Veraha collaborating with Puro.earth to ensure these efforts align with recognized biochar methodologies.

In Côte d'Ivoire, Revata Carbon will take the lead in establishing local partnerships and overseeing the development of the feedstock ecosystem necessary for the biochar production process. The collaboration of local stakeholders ensures that the project is community-focused, integrating local economic benefits into the overall environmental strategy. This is particularly crucial in providing a pathway for agricultural waste to transition from liability to asset while fostering sustainable community development.

Valency International, a major player in the cashew processing sector and backed by British International Investment (BII), is partnering with Varaha and Revata to supply necessary feedstocks for the biochar operations and to leverage their supply chain expertise to scale the initiative effectively. This collaboration underlines Valency's commitment to decarbonizing its agricultural value chains and promoting sustainable employment in the region.

Voices of Leadership

Madhur Jain, CEO of Varaha, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting how the unique blend of Valency and Revata’s local expertise alongside Varaha’s rigorous MRV framework creates a robust foundation to operationalize carbon removal on a broader scale across West Africa and beyond.

Vaibav Jain, Founder and CEO at Revata Carbon, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating that it allows them to showcase Africa’s capacity for implementing responsible biochar projects that respect ecological balance while advancing local agricultural productivity.

Sumit Jain, Group CEO at Valency International, remarked on the commitment to decarbonization within their operational methodologies, particularly with cashew processing, where residues can now be transformed into valuable biochar, reducing environmental impact and integrating climate-positive solutions seamlessly throughout their operation.

Invitation for Collaborations

The VIPP initiative represents a transformative approach to addressing waste management and environmental sustainability in Côte d'Ivoire while simultaneously improving the livelihoods of local farmers. With Varaha spearheading this project, other industrial operators interested in contributing to biochar initiatives are encouraged to engage with Varaha for partnership opportunities.

About Varaha

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Gurgaon, India, Varaha stands as Asia's leading developer of carbon dioxide removal projects, concentrating on smallholder farmer-led climate solutions. By adopting a science-driven and technologically advanced methodology in areas such as regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and enhanced rock weathering, Varaha is committed to advancing climate resilience and sustainable rural development across South Asia and beyond.

For more information or to join the VIPP initiative, interested parties can reach out to Varaha directly via email at [email protected].