HIGHLIGHTING three fundamental pillars for agricultural growth - quality seeds and grafting, regular soil testing, and boosting soil organic carbon content - Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari stated that scaling up biochar production and its application in farming can chart a new course for sustainable agriculture. Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Biochar Production Conference’ organised by the Agrovision Foundation at Hotel Tuli Imperial on Saturday, Gadkari addressed a large gathering, including large number of young farmers from across Maharashtra. “Organic carbon is vital for soil health, and biochar serves as an effective solution to enhance it,” Gadkari noted, adding that Agrovision continuously strives to bring successful experiments and modern technology directly to farmers.

 

He emphasised that increasing soil organic carbon leads to significant gains in agricultural output. By focusing on productivity alongside quality enhancement and processing capabilities, farmers’ incomes can be improved substantially. He urged experts to prove the financial viability of technologies like biochar and make them widely accessible. Dignitaries present on stage included Dhairyasheel Bawaskar, Executive Managing Director, Dr Bawaskar Technology Pvt Ltd; Uday Kumar Mathapati, Founder & CEO, Biochar Byte Agtech Pvt Ltd, Pune; Dr Usha Barwale, Founder, Grow Indigo; Anand Raut, progressive farmer; Ravi Boratkar, President, Agrovision Foundation; and Dr C D Mayee, Secretary, Agrovision Foundation.