Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd has commissioned a 20,000 tonne per annum (20,000 t/yr) biochar facility in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, which ranks among the world's largest single-unit biochar reactors. The plant processes more than 50 t per day of agricultural and fruit residue, positioning India at the forefront of commercial biochar production. The facility is the first of multiple reactors planned and will integrate with existing agri-processing operations.

Biochar is produced by pyrolysis, in which crop residue is heated in a low-oxygen environment to create a stable, carbon-rich material that stores carbon for hundreds of years. This durable form of carbon dioxide removal, verified for credits by Puro.earth, contrasts with open burning and other disposal methods that emit greenhouse gases. The process also enhances soil structure and water retention, improving resilience to drought.

The project establishes a farm-to-soil circular economy in which residues are converted into a premium soil amendment and returned to fields, bolstering soil fertility and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers. By creating value from waste, the initiative opens new income streams for farmers and supports rural employment across biomass collection, processing and distribution. It is designed to improve long-term farm productivity and economics.

Jain Irrigation will use its distribution network, developed through micro-irrigation, planting material, food processing and solar systems, to deploy biochar at scale to farmers. The company has worked with global experts on the plant design and will leverage reach to more than 10 million (10 mn) farmers across over 120 countries. The business reports revenues of USD 750 million and employs over 9,000 associates worldwide, creating an integrated value chain from biomass sourcing to farm application.

The initiative aims to reduce stubble burning, enrich soil carbon and improve water-use efficiency while enabling farmers to participate in the global carbon economy through verified durable credits. The company states that the project supports national climate goals and offers a replicable model for agricultural economies across Asia. Further reactors under development will scale processing capacity and expand rural benefits.