Policy Seminar Calls for Biochar Adoption to Strengthen Indonesia’s Rice Sector

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - A policy seminar on 12 November brought renewed attention to the role of biochar in improving the performance and resilience of Indonesia’s rice sector.

The event, hosted by the Embassy of Denmark in Indonesia together with the Ministry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS), emphasized the need for practical, scalable solutions that support food security and climate goals.

During the seminar, WasteX presented new field evidence showing that converting rice husks into biochar can significantly enhance productivity while reducing input costs for farmers.

Indonesia generates an estimated 10–20 million tons of rice husks every year. Much of this biomass remains unused or is treated as waste, and converting them into biochar can transform the nation's rice production.

Field Results Demonstrate Strong Performance Gains

WasteX’s field trials with rice farmers demonstrated notable improvements in yields and fertilizer efficiency:

• Up to 60% higher rice yield

• Up to 20% reduction in chemical fertilizer use

Biochar improves yields and reduces fertilizer needs by enhancing soil structure, increasing nutrient retention, and supporting beneficial microbial activity. These improvements help rice plants access nutrients more efficiently and maintain stronger growth throughout the season.

Farmers participating in WasteX’s field trials also reported visible differences in growth. One farmer observed that rice grown with biochar appeared to grow faster and reach the reproductive phase earlier, highlighting faster development compared to conventional plots.

The economic impact is equally significant. In another trial covering 10 hectares with a biochar application rate of 2 tons per hectare, farmers achieved 56% higher net income in a single planting season.

Economic and Climate Benefits for Smallholder Farmers

In the seminar, WasteX also highlighted projected national-scale impacts if biochar were adopted widely. Per hectare of rice farm, the potential outcomes include:

• Higher productivity and reduced input costs. Approximately 2.2 tons of additional rice per year and 200 kg less urea/NPK fertilizer used.

• Increased farmer income. An estimated USD 750 in additional annual earnings through higher yields and carbon credit incentives.

• Climate mitigation benefits. Around 6.2 tons of CO₂ emissions avoided each year through reduced biomass burning and fertilizer use, plus 3.2 tons of CO₂ stored through biochar application.

Supporting Indonesia’s National Development Priorities

The policy dialogue underscored that biochar adoption aligns closely with several national objectives:

• Strengthening food security

• Reducing food loss and waste

• Lowering greenhouse gas emissions

• Advancing climate-smart agriculture

  
  

With WasteX's decentralized, on-site biochar equipment, this technology could enable rapid, cost-efficient deployment across farming regions.