| By Kong Phano, ADRA Cambodia
Pursat, 18 February 2026 – Participants gathered at the Provincial Department of Health in Pursat for the V-BIOCHAR handover and project closing. Implemented by ADRA Cambodia for the past twelve months, the project combined two natural soil enhancers- vermicompost and biochar- to restore fertility, retain water, and reduce dependency on imported chemical fertilizers.
Cambodia imports more than 1.4 million tons of fertilizers each year, while rice husks, corn cobs, and coconut shells often go unused or burned. Through the process of pyrolysis (heating organic matter without oxygen), these residues can be transformed into biochar, a carbon-rich material that improves soil structure and nutrient retention. When combined with vermicompost, the result is a sustainable alternative that boosts productivity and cuts farming costs, all while reducing carbon emissions.
Through on farmer-led demonstrations, low-cost technology made from local materials, and cooperative learning among producer groups, the project supported practical business models to enable small-scale farmers—particularly women and youth—to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers while generating income from locally available biomass. This approach delivered measurable and impactful results. Ten biochar demonstration sites were established in Kandieng and Phnom Kravanh, producing 6.4 tons of biochar for sale and on-farm use. Trials with eight vegetable producers reduced chemical fertilizers cost by 74%, increased yields by 24% and raised income by 35%. The project supported 12 business leaders, resulting in the production of 16.8 tons of biochar, while 205 farmers and three public secondary schools actively engaged in biochar production and direct V-Biochar (vermicompost-biochar blend) application in crop cultivation.
H.E. Markéta Kolc Hájková, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Cambodia, said: “The initiative is part of the long-standing partnership between the Czech Republic and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and scientific expertise from the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague (CZU). We are proud to bring the Czech know how to Cambodia and support local business development.”
Mr. Enrico Gaveglia, Resident Representative of UNDP in Cambodia continued: “In a short period of time, the project clearly demonstrated the value of transforming agricultural waste into a revenue stream. Knowledge and technology transfer is key in supporting Cambodia on the transition towards circular economy and generating long-term economic benefits while maintaining ecosystem integrity – this is precisely the type of solutions we need to bring to scale in order to achieve sustainable development.”
The project leaves a living legacy of nearly 20 farmers practicing soil-enhancement through biochar who now mentor more than 40 producer groups with twelve young entrepreneurs creating local biochar ventures. Eight demonstration kilns across two districts now serve as living labs, comparing different designs and inspiring peer learning among farmers.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Chhunmuoy Ath, Communications Analyst, UNDP Cambodia at [email protected]
Mr. Phano Kong, Public Relations Coordinator, ADRA Cambodia at [email protected]
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ADRA Cambodia is part of a global humanitarian organization delivering relief and development assistance to individuals in more than 118 countries—regardless of their ethnicity, political affiliation, gender, or religious association. By partnering with local communities, organizations, and governments, we are able to deliver culturally relevant programs and build local capability for sustainable change.
Czech Development Agency is a state organization under the authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and an implementing body of the development cooperation of the Czech Republic.
The main aims of the Czech Development Agency include reducing poverty, improving quality of life and supporting sustainable development. As a modern donor the Czech Development Agency connects three groups of actors: state sector and local authorities, non-profit sector with universities and private sector.
UNDP is the United Nations’ global development network advocating for change and connecting governments, private sector and civil society to knowledge, experience, and resources to end the injustice of poverty and inequality, accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen good governance and peace, and promote nature-based solutions and climate resilience. Present in over 170 countries and territories, we assist nations to implement their solutions for accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the people, the planet, and their prosperity. Learn more at https://www.undp.org/cambodia or follow us at @UNDPCambodia.
Media Coverage
Local TV coverage in Pursat: Watch Here
