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From Biomass to Biochar: BRT Helps Kickstart Sustainable Solutions in Cambodia

At the turn of May and June 2025, experts from the BioResources & Technology (BRT) Division - PhD student and Project Manager Jan Staš and Postdoctoral Researcher Chama Theodore Ketuama - travelled to Pursat Province, Cambodia, as part of the V-BIOCHAR project. This initiative, a follow-up to the V-SOIL project, aims to introduce sustainable biochar technologies tailored for local rural conditions. 
 
The training programme, co-organised with our Cambodian partners (ADRA Cambodia), focused on low-cost, locally adaptable solutions for turning organic waste into valuable soil amendments using biochar. 
Over the course of an intensive five-day mission, the team delivered both theoretical and practical sessions, as reflected in the structured training agenda: 
  • Day 1–2 (Theory): Covered fundamentals of biochar, types of pyrolysis units (from low-cost to advanced), feedstock potential in Cambodia, and integration with vermicompost. 
  • Day 3–5 (Practice): Focused on constructing barrel-type kilns and introducing safe construction plans and handling. This hands-on phase proved to be crucial. 
"The enthusiasm and commitment of the trainees was exceptional. Not only did they follow the instructions, but they also proactively improved the barrel kilns to boost production efficiency," said Jan Staš. 
This hands-on innovation by the local trainees underscores the project's core mission: empowering local actors to adapt and expand sustainable technologies in their own ways. 
 
 
The Journey Continues 
 
With this first training mission successfully concluded, the V-BIOCHAR project now moves to its next milestones. These include ongoing field trials, feedback collection, and further engagement with local communities and institutions. 
 
 
Read more about the project and what’s ahead: HERE 
 
Watch how V-BIOCHAR is transforming farming in Cambodia below:
 
 

 

Thank You! 

We extend our sincere thanks to our local partners, including agricultural extension officers and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as well as to the fantastic group of trainees. Your commitment, curiosity, and initiative made this training a real success. 

Stay tuned for more updates as V-BIOCHAR continues transforming biomass into impact!  V-BIOCHAR is a pilot project addressing Cambodia’s pressing issues of soil degradation, chemical fertilizer dependency, and the underutilization of organic agricultural waste. The project tackles this challenge by introducing a first-of-its-kind integrated approach in Pursat province, combining biochar production with vermicomposting. Using simple, low-cost pyrolysis kilns and locally available materials such as rice husks and coconut shells, the project enhances soil fertility, boosts water and nutrient retention, and opens new livelihood opportunities for smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth. The project is coordinated by ADRA Czech Republic in partnership with ADRA Cambodia and the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, CZU. 

The project “V-BIOCHAR” is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the financial support (donor) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

For more details on BRT activities, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media for regular updates and highlights! 

Ongoing training session in Pursat province (photoy Jan Staš) Ongoing training session in Pursat province (photoy Jan Staš)
Jan Staš during practical training and a simple pyrolysis unit built from available materials. p Jan Staš during practical training and a simple pyrolysis unit built from available materials. p
Jan Staš demonstrating the use of biochar Jan Staš demonstrating the use of biochar
Chama Theodore Ketuauma with a supported farmer Chama Theodore Ketuauma with a supported farmer
Jan Staš demonstrating the use of biochar Jan Staš demonstrating the use of biochar
Using biochar in conjunction with vermicompost on this chili pepper farm will help reduce fertilizer costs (photo by Jan Staš) Using biochar in conjunction with vermicompost on this chili pepper farm will help reduce fertilizer costs (photo by Jan Staš)
Training continues in secondary schools Training continues in secondary schools
Training continues in secondary schools Training continues in secondary schools

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