In areas like Cianjur, where a bumper rice harvest has led to widespread open burning of agricultural residues, a major environmental challenge has arisen, releasing harmful particulate matter and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Converting this agricultural waste into biochar is a transformative solution that not only mitigates the harmful effects of open burning, but also serves as a sustainable alternative for the construction industry.

When blended into concrete, biochar not only matches the strength of traditional materials with mix ratios as high as 30%, but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint, contributing positively to the well-being of the planet.

Cianjur, a site marked by high rice straw production, low urbanization, and untapped building potential, is an ideal test ground for this new approach. To ensure that local farmers, predominantly small landholders, can benefit from the production and utilization of biochar, the project will employ Kon-Tiki kilns as the primary biochar production tool. These kilns are simple in design, cost-effective, produce minimal pollution, and are efficient, making them well-suited to the needs of local farmers.

Farmers will receive guidance from the education center’s experts on various aspects of biochar production and biomass storage. The produced biochar can be used as a soil amendment, with the surplus sold to biochar concrete production facilities, generating additional income for the farmers.