Vermicompost & Biochar Integration for Climate-Smart Farming (V-Biochar) Project

Date: 28 March 2025 to 28 March 2026
Area: Pursat Province
Budget: Total USD 53, 362
Donors: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ADRA Czech Republic and ADRA Australia

Vermicompost & Biochar Integration for Climate-Smart Farming (V-Biochar) is managed by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Czech Republic/Cambodia with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with additional support through the ADRA Australia Pro-Bridging project. With the total funds of USD 53,362 V-Biochar will be implemented in Pursat province of Cambodia between March 28, 2025, to March 28, 2026.

The V-BIOCHAR project aims to introduce and promote the production and use of biochar made of agriculture waste and the introduction of business techniques in the Pursat province of Cambodia to improve waste management, soil fertility, moisture retention, microbial activity in the soil, and agricultural productivity by combination of vermicompost and biochar use for optimal soil enhancement and minimization of use of chemical fertilizers through promoting this business model to local small business industry and incomes. Although vermicomposting and biochar practices are not widely used in the context of small-scale farmers, the previous project focused only on vermicomposting was well received with significant impact, so we believe that another improvement of soil fertility and speeding up the decomposition process will be even more attractive for the local farmers and producers. Especially in the Pursat province, this project will bring another innovative and environmentally friendly approach to farmers and will offer new opportunities for business while considering youth and women as well. Additionally, the project will emphasize the cooperation of small-scale farmers in terms of sharing knowledge and equipment for the pyrolysis necessary to produce biochar. The business model of Biochar was never applied in Pursat province and to targeted groups. The project not only introduces the business model but also technology of pyrolysis units, and their different prototypes built from local resources. The Project works alongside ADRA Cambodia’s Pro-Bridging Project and the Pursat Department of Agriculture for providing training to potential sustainable vermicompost and biochar producers as well as promotion of the use of biochar products for safe, soil structure, vibrant horticulture production and sustainable farmer livelihoods.    

In collaboration with experts from the Czech University Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, the project will build capacity of ADRA staff, Department of Ag. Extensionists, and Progressive Model Agro-Business leaders who will in turn train and mentor 12 potential vermiculture business leaders who are keen on investing in vermicomposting and biochar. These farmers will be chosen from progressive producers of vermicompost and potential farmers out of vermiculture producers and be supported to establish small and medium scale future entrepreneurs.  They will also engage local agribusiness networks and associations to raise awareness about the benefits and tested application of biochar products, directly impacting at least more than a hundred farming households with the potential for broadscale benefits in environmentally sustainable production for farmers in Pursat and beyond.