Cotton waste to become biochar
MWANZA: COTTON farmers in Tanzania are expected to benefit from cotton residues, particularly stalks left in farms after harvesting, following the introduction of an initiative to convert the waste into biochar fertiliser.
For years, many cotton farmers have removed the residues from their farms and burned them, while others have used them as firewood, practices that contribute to carbon emissions.
The initiative was presented yesterday during a meeting in Mwanza between officials from the Tanzania Cotton Board and experts from the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).
The programme will involve training and practical activities in Magu and Kwimba districts in Mwanza Region; Busega, Bariadi, Meatu, Maswa and Itilima districts in Simiyu Region; Igunga District in Tabora Region and Kishapu District in Shinyanga Region.
Speaking during the meeting, ICAC Chief Scientist Dr Keshav Kranthi, who was accompanied by experts from carbon business certification company Merago Inc., said fertiliser produced from cotton residues would help improve soil fertility.
Dr Kranthi said the initiative aimed to enable cotton farmers to participate in the carbon credit market by making use of residues left in farms after harvesting.
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He said farmers would obtain an input that could improve soil quality while contributing to reducing carbon emissions caused by burning cotton residues.
“Through this carbon credit system, the amount of carbon emissions reduced or stored as a result of these activities can be quantified and sold in the carbon market, providing farmers with an additional source of income apart from earnings from cotton sales,” Dr Kranthi said.
For his part, Acting Director General of the Tanzania Cotton Board, Eng Godwin Makori, welcomed the initiative, saying it represented an important opportunity to add value to cotton farming.
Eng Makori said the Board was ready to collaborate with ICAC and other stakeholders to ensure the opportunity reached cotton farmers and benefited the cotton sub-sector.
He stressed that farmers should begin viewing cotton residues as valuable resources rather than waste to be burned or discarded.
He urged farmers to embrace the opportunity as a means of increasing their income while protecting the environment.
