#India #Biochar #Gurugram #VIPP #Varaha

Varaha Launches the Varaha Industrial Partners Program (VIPP)

Varaha has officially introduced its Varaha Industrial Partners Program (VIPP), a significant global initiative aimed at enhancing industrial carbon removal methods using biochar in Côte d'Ivoire. This groundbreaking program focuses on transforming agricultural waste, particularly by utilizing cashew shells, into valuable carbon removal credits through sustainable practices that can benefit both the environment and local economies.

The Challenge of Agricultural Waste

Côte d'Ivoire is a key player in the global cashew market, but this growth comes with its own set of challenges—particularly in dealing with waste byproducts. The cashew industry generates a considerable amount of waste, primarily from cashew shells, which often pose issues regarding disposal and environmental sustainability. Unfortunately, many of these shells are either burnt or disposed of improperly, leading to carbon emissions and pollution. The VIPP program aims to tackle these challenges head-on, creating a circular economy that finds new purposes for this agricultural residue.

Biochar Production Through Controlled Gasification

As part of the VIPP initiative, these cashew shells will be transformed into high-quality biochar using state-of-the-art controlled gasification techniques. This process not only alleviates waste management issues but also generates a product that can serve as an effective soil amendment. Biochar is known for its ability to enhance soil fertility, boost agricultural productivity, and contribute to long-term carbon storage in the soil, making it a win-win solution for farmers and the environment.

Partnership Dynamics

The first collaboration under the VIPP banner will take place between Varaha, Revata Carbon, and Valency International. Varaha will manage measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) protocols and oversee the marketing of the resulting carbon credits. This comprehensive management ensures that all outputs adhere to rigorous sustainability standards.

Revata Carbon will facilitate the project’s on-the-ground development and execution, coordinating with local stakeholders to ensure the successful conversion of waste into biochar. Meanwhile, Valency International is set to leverage its expertise as a prominent cashew processor, providing crucial resource supply and supply chain management to bolster the project's scale and impact.

Statements from Key Leaders

Madhur Jain, CEO of Varaha, enthusiastically welcomed both Valency International and Revata Carbon as start partners in this initiative. He stated, “We are excited to have Valency International and Revata Carbon join us in our efforts to scale sustainable carbon removal in West Africa and beyond. Their leadership, combined with Varaha's technical expertise in MRV and commercialization, lays a solid groundwork for impactful change.”

Vaibav Jain, founder and CEO of Revata Carbon, echoed this sentiment by highlighting the significance of agricultural waste management and the opportunity to showcase Africa as a responsible region for biochar projects. He remarked, “This partnership marks a substantial step toward integrating agricultural waste as a resource, while simultaneously supporting local communities.”

Valency International’s Group CEO, Sumit Jain, elaborated on the role of their partnership in decarbonizing supply chains, reinforcing their commitment to making a climate-positive change.

Call to Action

Industry players interested in joining the Varaha Industrial Partners Program are encouraged to reach out to Varaha for more details about this unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable practices while tackling climate change.

About Varaha

Established in 2022, Varaha is Asia's largest developer of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects, focusing on solutions led by smallholder farmers aimed at scaling climate action. With a portfolio that includes regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, biochar, and enhanced weathering projects across South Asia and now in Côte d'Ivoire, Varaha is actively engaged in promoting environmental sustainability while enhancing rural livelihoods. Headquartered in Gurgaon, India, the company operates over 20 climate-related projects in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Côte d'Ivoire, all aimed at creating a greener planet.

Image and Logo: Click here for Varaha Image | Click here for Varaha Logo