Challenge
In Cambodia, farmers face challenges with rice husk. They either burn it, use it as fuel, or let it decompose, which creates greenhouse gasses. At the same time, other small farmers lose this resource, which accounts for 20% of their rice production. To cultivate the crop, farmers rely on increasingly-expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides while common practices like deep plowing, not rotating crops, and using too many chemicals further exacerbate the depletion of soil health These challenges make farmers more vulnerable to climate change, putting their livelihoods at risk.
Solution
In Southeast Asia, Husk Ventures pioneers the commercialization of granulated carbon-based fertilizers that are powered by renewable energy. Through long-term off-take agreements with rice mills and pyrolysis technology (a process where organic materials are exposed to high temperatures and no oxygen is present) they convert husk into biochar and thermal energy.
Their innovative products, suitable for various crops, enhance nutrient and water uptake efficiency, reducing chemical inputs and water use while increasing yields. In terms of distribution, products reach farmers through partnerships with distributors and agricultural cooperatives. Husk Ventures also empowers women farmers, building a network to promote soil health practices. The innovator plans to expand this network to over 100 women farmers in Cambodia.
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