MASH Makes progress report 2023

Background

MASH Makes convert organic waste into biochar in India, effectively sequestering carbon and reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.

This project has a large number of important co-benefits: reduced air pollution; remediated soils; increased crop yields; carbon removal; and lesser dependence on traditional fertilizers and irrigation. In addition, the project targets drought-prone regions and aims to address a core issue of crop residue burning in India by providing a carbon-negative and easily scalable solution. All carbon removal certificates created in this project were issued through a fully-digitized marketplace and platform, Carbonfuture, whose science-based approach ensures the carbon sink certificates generated remain traceable, transparent, and thus trustworthy.

Progress

Over the past year, MASH Makes has successfully begun operations at their first commercial facility in Udupi, India, which has the potential to produce 7000 tonnes of biochar annually. This equates to approximately 20 000 tonnes of CO2 removed per year. Despite facing challenges such as frequent power cuts and delays in equipment delivery, MASH Makes has effectively addressed these issues and is on track to reach full-scale production before the end of the year. They are currently awaiting an audit for European Biochar Certification to document carbon removal from this facility. They have also secured funding for their next facility and initiated funding for two more.

The biochar being produced from this facility is currently being used to conduct pot experiments and field trials in semi-arid regions having nutrient deficient soil. Trials have demonstrated the positive effect of the use of biochar on these soils and have shown increased crop yields and reduced water requirements as well. This can have a significant impact on the lives of the local farmers, as they are usually dependent on rainfall and don't have the access to resources to improve their farming practices. Over the next few years, MASH Makes will continue to work with NGOs and farm organizations to increase the awareness of the use of biochar and to demonstrate the positive effects of using biochar in agriculture.

Support from the CTF has played a significant role in enabling MASH Makes to scale and validate its carbon removal capabilities. This support has not only facilitated the establishment of a large-scale pyrolysis facility but also added credibility to MASH Makes' carbon removal program.