Biochar Project Turns Invasive Kachchh Trees Into Carbon Credits

An invasive tree called Prosopis juliflora covers large parts of the Banni grasslands in Kachchh.

People are cutting the tree and heating its wood to make biochar, a charcoal-like material.

Biochar can store carbon in soil for a long time, so companies can buy credits linked to this work.

Google bought a large number of these credits, and other companies also signed agreements.

Supporters say the project can remove carbon and help clear unwanted trees.

Critics say the biochar may not always be put into soil properly.

They also worry that making it uses too much scarce water and that the invasive trees quickly grow back.

One soil expert found that crops grew worse in tested biochar plots.

Varaha says its projects have safeguards, community agreements and independent checks.