Telangana: Biochar will be key for sustainable agriculture practices, say experts

Say biochar would trap carbon in the soil for hundreds of years, making it a climate-friendly solution

Sangareddy: Aranya Agricultural Alternative CEO Padma Koppula highlighted the benefits of biochar, a carbon-rich product made from agricultural waste.

She observed that biochar would help the soil retain nutrients and water, boost microbial activity and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

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Addressing farmers during a sensitisation programme organised at Rythu Vedika in Bidakanne village of Jharasangam mandal on Saturday, Padma said biochar would also trap the carbon in the soil for hundreds of years, making it a climate-friendly solution. She urged farmers to begin composting with biochar for sustainable agriculture.

District Agriculture Officer (DAO) K Shiva Prasad provided insights on high-density planting system (HDPS) for cotton. He explained how sowing more cotton seeds per acre using closer spacing could significantly raise productivity.

“HDPS is the right path to solve the issue of low cotton yields and meet the increasing demand for cotton in our country,” he added.

The officials praised Nuziveedu Seeds, which organised the event, for their philanthropic approach, noting that the company is providing biochar to farmers free of cost.

A representative from Nuziveedu Seeds said HDPS cotton is gaining popularity among farmers as it yields 3-5 quintals of additional cotton compared to traditional cultivation methods.

This season alone, HDPS cotton has been registered across 35,000 acres in 59 districts in the country, reflecting the growing trust in the model.

The training programme represents a significant step towards promoting sustainable farming practices that benefit both agricultural yields and environmental health in rural India.