Dimapur: A Nagaland University-led international study is exploring the use of ‘biochar’ as a practical and affordable solution to address water scarcity and soil degradation in the hilly regions of Nagaland.Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced by heating crop residues and organic biomass in low-oxygen conditions.The findings highlight how converting agricultural waste into biochar can help improve soil moisture, enhance crop productivity and support sustainable farming systems.The study, which involved researchers from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh and Parul University, Gujarat, besides Nagaland University, focuses on biochar application in agricultural field. It demonstrates that biochar can act like a sponge in the soil, improving water retention, reducing irrigation needs and enhancing soil fertility. It also helps reduce soil erosion, making it particularly suitable for hill farming systems.The study highlights that unlike conventional water-saving methods that require costly infrastructure, biochar offers a nature-based, low-cost and circular economy solution. By converting farm waste into a valuable soil input, biochar not only improves water availability but also increases crop yields, reduces dependence on chemical fertilisers, and supports long-term carbon storage in soil.The findings have strong relevance for addressing broader challenges such as groundwater depletion, drought stress and declining soil quality across India.The research was undertaken by Prof. Prabhakar Sharma, department of agricultural engineering and technology, Nagaland University, along with Dr Shakir Ali, University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr Anamika Shrivastava, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh and Dr Krishna Kumar Yadav, Parul University, Gujarat.
