Empowering Rural Sustainability: 5-Day Training Workshop on Cotton Stalk Biochar Production in Nandurbar (March 24–28, 2025)

In a significant step towards climate action and sustainable rural livelihoods, EcoKrishi Solutions LLP organized a comprehensive 5-day training workshop on Biochar Production from Cotton Stalks from March 24th to 28th, 2025, in Nandurbar, Maharashtra—a region known for its cotton cultivation and tribal communities.

The workshop was part of EcoKrishi’s DBPSAL initiative (Decentralized Biochar Production for Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods), aimed at training rural stakeholders in transforming agricultural waste into a valuable resource for soil health, carbon sequestration, and livelihood generation.

Participants from Across India and Diverse Sectors

The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from multiple Indian states, including West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Attendees represented a wide array of sectors:

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• Social development organizations and community leaders

• Academic students and environmental researchers

• Grassroots-level farmers, SHG women leaders, and FPC representatives

This diversity brought together practical field experience, community-based perspectives, and academic understanding—creating a dynamic and impactful learning environment.

Day 1: Introduction to Biochar – Theory and Vision

The training began with a comprehensive introduction to biochar, covering:

• Definition, history, and global relevance – including its origin in Terra Preta (Amazonian dark earth)

• Benefits in sustainable agriculture – improved soil fertility, moisture retention, and crop yield

• Climate mitigation potential – biochar as a long-term carbon sink and a tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Participants learned how biochar production not only supports environmental regeneration but also opens income and entrepreneurship opportunities for rural communities.

Day 2: Why Cotton Stalks? Turning Waste into Wealth

The second day focused on the feedstock:

• Cotton stalks—an abundant but underutilized agricultural residue, often burned in open fields

• Environmental and health hazards of stubble burning, including air pollution and carbon emissions

• Opportunities to convert waste cotton stalks into biochar, adding value while solving a waste management issue

The session also introduced EcoKrishi’s low-tech solutions like the Kon Tiki Kiln and open pit method, suitable for decentralized, village-level biochar production.

Day 3: Hands-On Demo – Kon Tiki Kiln Method

Practical training began with the Kon Tiki Kiln, where participants:

• Selected an appropriate site and assembled the kiln

• Prepared and loaded cotton stalks for pyrolysis

• Practiced safe quenching, collection, and storage of biochar

All participants actively engaged in operating the kiln, fostering confidence and skill-building for future implementation.

Day 4: Open Pit Method – A Resource-Light Alternative

This session focused on biochar production without metal kilns:

• Constructing a biochar pit using local materials

• Layering biomass and managing combustion

• Quenching the fire with water to preserve carbon content

• Collecting and drying biochar safely

This method proved especially valuable for remote or low-income communities looking to adopt biochar production with minimal upfront investment.

Day 5: Biochar Enrichment and Agricultural Application

The final day shifted toward value addition and utilization:

• Enriching biochar with EcoKrishi’s own biostimulants (Suvarnakanika, Keshalika) and composts

• Mixing with red soil and compost.

• Creating “KrishiAmrit,” a high-quality soil amendment

• Field demonstration of application methods—broadcasting, bed mixing, compost enhancement

Participants also learned how enriched biochar improves soil structure, promotes beneficial microbes, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

Reflections, Certification, and Future Vision

The workshop concluded with a group reflection, sharing of regional insights, and an open discussion on replicating the model in their respective communities and organizations. All participants received certificates of completion, and many expressed interest in becoming eco-preneurs or local trainers in their regions.