Varaha is removing carbon via biochar in India, leveraging technology and partnerships to address environmental challenges. Their in-house digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system, as reported by Business Today, integrates remote sensing to monitor biomass availability. A dedicated mobile application captures geo-tagged, time-stamped images, documenting project activities from biomass excavation to field application of biochar. This meticulous approach ensures the generated carbon credits meet rigorous global standards for transparency and scalability.
A key project, in partnership with Google, focuses on converting the invasive Prosopis Juliflora plant into biochar. This invasive species, as highlighted by Business Today, displaces native grasslands crucial for livestock grazing and diminishes plant biodiversity in Gujarat. Varaha’s state-of-the-art pyrolysis facility in Gujarat will process the Prosopis Juliflora biomass, creating valuable biochar.
This collaboration positions Varaha to expand its biochar credit offerings to other buyers in the coming year. The company also plans to establish additional biochar pyrolysis facilities in other biomass-rich regions across India. Beyond Prosopis Juliflora, Varaha also utilizes corn-farming waste for biochar production. The company’s innovative work is supported by investors including Japan’s Norinchukin Bank and private equity funders from India, the US, and Singapore, according to the Financial Times.