The Horticultural Research Station (HRS), Yercaud, in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), has launched a key project aimed at revitalizing the local coffee economy in India. The initiative, officially titled “A Circular Economy Approach for Profitable Coffee Processing and Recycling of Coffee Wastes into BiocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More,” seeks to both elevate the livelihoods of tribal and small coffee farmers and promote sustainable, carbon-neutral coffee production.

Currently, Yercaud’s coffee is grown by over 3,000 small and tribal farmers who often sell their raw coffee berries for a low price, receiving only a small fraction of the potential market value. Associate Professor Malathi, head of HRS, notes that selling fresh berries earns farmers about ₹40 per kg, leaving much of the profit on the table. To change this, a new shared processing and water recycling facility will be established at the HRS in the coming weeks.

The project’s innovation lies in its sustainable approach to waste. The facility will take the pulps and husks—which make up about 75% of the coffee fruit—and convert them into biochar using pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More technology. When added back to the soil, this biochar improves soil health, increases water retention, and boosts crop yield. Crucially, the process locks atmospheric carbon, working toward making Yercaud’s coffee completely carbon-neutral.

Farmers participating in the project are projected to earn an extra ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh (about $600 to $1,200 USD) annually. The facility anticipates producing up to 30 tonnes of biochar per year, creating an additional revenue stream through the sale of biochar to local fruit and pepper growers, and potentially through carbon credits. This model not only offers financial stability but also champions sustainable resource management and green entrepreneurship among tribal communities.