BCI And Planboo Launch Biochar Pilot For Cotton Farms In India
The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and climate tech startup Planboo have announced a pilot project to produce and use biochar on cotton farms in India. Starting February 2026, the initiative will engage at least 75 farmers to transform agricultural waste from the January cotton harvest into biochar, a charcoal-like substance that improves soil health and stores carbon for over a century.
The pilot will be implemented in Gujarat and Maharashtra, where three kilns will process 375 tonnes of agricultural waste, producing 60–70 tonnes of biochar. Farmers will receive training on using the kilns and adopting alternatives to crop residue burning.
Planboo’s MRVin digital system will track data from biochar production to carbon removal calculations. This technology measures waste inputs, biochar output, and carbon sequestration, creating opportunities for farmers to generate income from carbon credits.
Lars van Doremalen, Director of Impact at BCI, said, “Biochar has the potential to deliver significant greenhouse gas reductions while strengthening farming communities against climate change.”
Freddie Catlow, Founder of Planboo, added, “Farmers are sitting on an untapped resource in crop residues. With MRVin, they can burn, learn and earn, while improving soil resilience and supporting the cotton industry.”
The project will conclude at the end of 2026, with BCI sharing insights on crop yield, water retention, emissions reduction and carbon removal. In the long term, both BCI and Planboo plan to assess the scalability of biochar for environmental and economic benefits, including Scope 3 emission reductions and carbon credit generation.
