Sajeevan eco-system: Multiple stakeholders, Models for Profitability, Sustainability & Replicability.
Sajeevan Life Pvt Ltd is a dynamic natural resource management startup with a commendable journey rooted in sustainable agriculture. Beginning its revenue narrative with 13,500 certified organic farmers in Gujarat’s Dangs district, sponsored by the Government of Gujarat, India the company has spearheaded the certification of over 25,000 acres under the NPOP.
Sajeevan is actively engaged in implementing six nature-based carbon credit projects, with a primary focus on biochar initiatives. With ongoing biochar projects already initiated in four locations, the company is making significant strides towards carbon sequestration and environmental sustainability.
Additionally, Sajeevan has commenced farmer registration under nature-based projects in Netrang town in India further solidifying its commitment to community involvement and empowerment. Sajeevan aims to expand its biochar carbon projects within Gujarat initially, before extending its footprint to other states.
Furthermore, the company is exploring innovative carbon models, including biogas units, improved cookstove projects, and nature-based solutions projects, to diversify its impact on carbon reduction. In parallel, Sajeevan is dedicated to building and expanding long-term agroforestry projects, focusing on species such as mangroves and paulownia, to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Through these multifaceted initiatives, Sajeevan is steadfast in its mission to combat climate change and promote sustainable development by satisfying the following SDGs.
“PROSOPIS JULIFLORA: A FORMIDABLE CHALLENGE TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC STABILITY”
Economic Implications: Prosopis juliflora invasion affects local communities dependent on agriculture and pastoralism by reducing land productivity and altering ecosystems. The spread of Prosopis juliflora can lead to economic losses for communities relying on native vegetation for grazing, agriculture, and other livelihood activities. Controlling and managing Prosopis juliflora incurs significant costs for governments and local authorities, impacting budget allocations for other developmental projects.
Environmental Implications: The invasive nature of Prosopis juliflora disrupts native ecosystems, leading to a decline in biodiversity and altering the natural balance of flora and fauna. Prosopis juliflora‘s deep root system can deplete water sources, impacting water availability for both wildlife and human populations. Additionally, the plant’s aggressive growth can lead to soil degradation, reducing soil fertility and hindering agricultural productivity in affected areas.
Health Risks and Social Impact: Prosopis juliflora can pose health risks to communities through allergenic reactions and respiratory issues, affecting the well-being of individuals living in invaded areas. Competition for resources such as water and land between native vegetation and Prosopis juliflora can lead to conflicts within communities and among stakeholders. Furthermore, the invasion of Prosopis juliflora can disrupt traditional land use practices and cultural ties to the land, impacting the social fabric of affected communities.
Sajeevan and Varaha’s Biochar Project is an innovative initiative aimed at combating the invasion of Prosopis juliflora in the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, including the Banni Grasslands of Rann of Kutch. This tree species, thriving in arid conditions, not only disrupts local ecosystems by depleting groundwater and suppressing native flora but also affects local communities.
By converting the invasive Prosopis into biochar, a carbon-rich product, the project integrates advanced technology and ethical practices to offer a sustainable solution for carbon capture and soil enrichment. Initially piloted in the Banni Grassland, this approach is now expanding across Gujarat and Rajasthan states in India, demonstrating its potential for environmental and social benefits. Leveraging this foundation, Sajeevan Life embarked on a groundbreaking initiative in October 2023, responding to requests from Gram Panchayats to reclaim community pasture lands overrun by Prosopis Juliflora.
Sajeevan Life Pvt Limited, in collaboration with Varaha Climate AG Private Limited, has pioneered the establishment of expansive decentralised biochar production facilities. Implementing the Kon-tiki kiln system that have been effectively installed in Gujarat and Rajasthan, Sajeevan Pvt Limited is efficiently generating significant quantities of biochar from internal waste biomass, specifically P. juliflora. This biochar finds application across fields, as cattle feed, in composting, and other specialised uses.
By converting this invasive species into high-quality biochar through innovative Kon Tiki setups, the company has rapidly expanded its impact, now operating 80 Kon Tikis across multiple districts in Gujarat and Rajasthan. With a steadfast commitment to meeting the demand of 2400 MT by March 2024 and plans to establish a state-of-the-art High-Tech Biochar Unit, Sajeevan Life exemplifies the transformative potential of biochar in enhancing soil health, farmer satisfaction, and business viability. Positioned for nationwide expansion, the company envisions a future marked by artisanal and high-tech biochar projects, driving sustainable agricultural practices across India.
Sajeevan and Varaha’s Biochar Project is an innovative initiative aimed at combating the invasion of Prosopis juliflora in India’s Gujarat and Rajasthan states, including the Banni Grasslands. This tree species, thriving in arid conditions, not only disrupts local ecosystems by depleting groundwater and suppressing native flora but also affects local communities. By converting the invasive Prosopis into biochar, a carbon-rich product, the project integrates advanced technology and ethical practices to offer a sustainable solution for carbon capture and soil enrichment. Initially piloted in the Banni Grassland, this approach is now expanding across Gujarat and Rajasthan, demonstrating its potential for environmental and social benefits.
Minimizing Feedstock Handling
Efficiency is key in biochar production, especially when dealing with bulky agricultural residues. Sajeevan Pvt. Ltd. focuses on minimising feedstock handling to streamline the production process and make it economically viable. By reducing the number of times the feedstock needs to be moved, the company lowers labour costs and increases scalability. Innovative approaches, such as using mechanised equipment for harvesting and processing crop residues, ensure maximum efficiency in feedstock handling.
POTENTIAL POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
APPLICATION OF BIOCHAR
- In addition to its significant role in carbon sequestration, biochar serves as a versatile solution with diverse applications, contributing to the holistic approach of Sajeevan’s initiatives. With its ability to store carbon in the soil for up to a thousand years or more, biochar acts as a long-lasting fertiliser, enriching soil fertility and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
- High-quality biochar, containing 80 to 90% carbon, not only imparts this essential element but also possesses a uniquely granular texture, offering an exceptionally large surface area. This characteristic makes biochar an effective tool for water filtration and air purification, further enhancing environmental sustainability.
- Moreover, biochar’s carbon-rich composition attracts a myriad of living organisms to the rhizosphere, fostering a thriving microbiome that translates into increased soil fertility and amplified crop yields.
- Through the incorporation of biochar into its projects, Sajeevan not only addresses carbon sequestration goals but also promotes soil health, water quality, and agricultural productivity, embodying a comprehensive approach to sustainable development.
“Biochar, mixed and incubated with high-quality compost, is being supplied to farmers at subsidised rates, fulfilling Sajeevan’s aim of climate mitigation.” A major issue with manure management is the potential for nutrients to be lost from the system and pollute local waterways.
Mixing the manure with biochar may help close the nutrient loop and lead to higher levels of nitrogen retained in manure. Preliminary data shows that after the composting process was completed, the biochar and manure mix was higher in nitrogen than the manure pile alone. This would indicate that less nitrogen was lost to the system during decomposition. There may be a potential for biochar to increase farm profitability and reduce negative environmental impacts.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
As part of its community engagement efforts, Sajeevan prioritises educating local communities about the concept and benefits of biochar. Through interactive workshops and informative sessions, Sajeevan’s team elucidates the biochar production process and highlights its myriad benefits, including soil enrichment and carbon sequestration.
Moreover, Sajeevan actively encourages community members to actively participate in biochar production, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among residents. Recognising the importance of community buy-in and support, Sajeevan engages in dialogue with Gram Panchayats to discuss the necessity of obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for biochar production activities.
By seeking approval and collaboration from local governing bodies, Sajeevan ensures transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements while promoting community involvement in its biochar initiatives. Through these concerted efforts, Sajeevan not only advances its biochar projects but also cultivates strong partnerships with local communities, laying the foundation for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
PROJECT IMPACT
In addition to its environmental and economic objectives, Sajeevan’s biochar projects yield significant social benefits, further underscoring their holistic approach to sustainable development. By mitigating the invasion of Prosopis juliflora, Sajeevan not only addresses a pressing environmental challenge but also contributes to the restoration and preservation of native ecosystems.
Furthermore, the application of biochar enhances soil fertility, promoting healthier and more productive agricultural practices while also fostering biodiversity in the region. Importantly, Sajeevan’s biochar initiatives create economic opportunities for local communities by providing employment and income-generating activities related to biochar production and utilisation.
Through these endeavours, Sajeevan promotes environmental conservation and empowers communities with sustainable land management practices, thus fostering resilience and prosperity in the region.
FUTURE PROSPECTS
Looking towards the future, Sajeevan’s biochar projects hold promising prospects for expansion and collaboration, reflecting the company’s commitment to continual growth and community engagement. With a vision to broaden its impact, Sajeevan plans to scale up biochar production by incorporating a diverse range of biomass sources, thereby maximising resource utilisation and enhancing carbon sequestration potential.
Moreover, recognising the importance of collaboration and partnership in promoting sustainable land management practices, Sajeevan actively seeks to engage with local communities and stakeholders. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, Sajeevan aims to harness collective efforts towards environmental conservation and socio-economic development, laying the groundwork for a resilient and thriving future. Through strategic expansion and inclusive collaboration, Sajeevan remains poised to lead the way in advancing biochar solutions and fostering sustainability across diverse landscapes.
As Sajeevan continues to refine its biochar production techniques and expand its operations, the company envisions a future where sustainable agriculture is the norm. By harnessing the power of agricultural residues to produce biochar, Sajeevan addresses environmental challenges and creates opportunities for enhancing soil fertility and agricultural productivity on a global scale.
By transforming invasive biomass into valuable resources, Sajeevan is paving the way for a more sustainable future, where the environment and communities can thrive together.
Author
Dr. Yogita Deshmukh
PhD. Life Sciences
Co-Founder GANAR Biofuels/Eco-Avinya Pvt. Ltd.
Certified Independent Director/Carbon Auditor
