Soppeng, West Sulawesi, is renowned for its thriving cocoa and corn production. Traditionally, the disposal of corn cobs, a byproduct of corn farming, involved open-field burning or leaving them to decompose on the fields. These methods contributed to environmental pollution and represented a missed opportunity to create value from agricultural waste. Prior to the introduction of biochar production, corn cobs were considered to have zero economic value.

To address this issue, Yayasan Agathis Dammara Karbon collaborated with the Pusat Studi Inovasi Teknologi Karbon dan Pengelolaan Biomassa (PUSTIKABIN) at the University of Muhammadiyah Pare-Pare. Since 2022, this partnership has been actively supported through the funding awarded during Kedaireka’s fourth funding period of 2022, enabling ongoing innovation and development in the region.

Building on the successes of previous years, Biochar Life joined forces with Yayasan Agathis Dammara Karbon and PUSTIKABIN to launch a project aimed at producing 218 tons of biochar from corn cob waste. The project, conducted between May – October 2024, represents a significant leap toward sustainable waste management and value creation in West Sulawesi’s agricultural sector. This project receives such amazing support from the local community, the governor office of Soppeng and the University of Muhammadiyah Pare-Pare itself.

As of October 2024, the targeted 218 tons of biochar have been successfully produced. Currently, the project data is undergoing verification, with carbon credits to be issued in the near future. Once finalized, these credits will be available for purchase by organizations and individuals looking to offset their methane emissions. This initiative highlights a practical solution to agricultural waste while contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change.

For those interested in purchasing carbon credits or learning more about the initiative, please contact matt.biochar.life.