Biochar key to improving soil health and climate-smart farming: SKLTHU VC

Biochar can significantly improve soil health, enhance water retention and support climate-smart agriculture, according to SKLTHU Vice Chancellor Dr D. Raji Reddy. He urged wider adoption of biochar technologies and pledged stronger university support through research and training initiatives

Hyderabad: Biochar, produced from crop waste and residues through the pyrolysis process, plays a vital role in improving soil health, said Dr D. Raji Reddy, Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University (SKLTHU).

Speaking at an event on biochar technology here on Tuesday, Dr Raji Reddy said the use of biochar not only boosts crop yields but also enables carbon sequestration, marking a significant step towards climate-smart agriculture.

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The SKLTHU Vice Chancellor outlined the benefits of biochar in horticulture, highlighting its role in enhancing soil fertility, increasing water retention capacity and supporting microbial activity. He emphasised that biochar would serve as an important tool in reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Dr Raji Reddy urged farmers, scientists and students to adopt biochar-based technologies on a wider scale and assured them that the university would strengthen its research, training and awareness initiatives in this field.

Biochar expert Dr Arif Khan, Registrar Dr Bhagavan, Head of the Floriculture Research Station Dr Jyothi, Anita Kumari from the Vegetable Research Station, Associate Dean Dr Prashanth and other scientists participated in the event.