Takachar’s grassroots innovation tackles agricultural waste

Takachar, a startup co-founded by Vidyut Mohan, is on a mission to address one of the most pressing environmental and economic challenges the world is facing today: agricultural and forest residue waste management. 

With operations spanning India, the United States, the Philippines, and Thailand, Takachar hopes to reduce the damaging effects of open-air biomass burning, a practice common in Southeast Asia (SEA) that has severe implications for climate change, public health, and environmental sustainability.

Takachar was born from the urgent need to find a sustainable solution to the widespread problem of biomass burning, which significantly contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

“We were inspired to build our business to combat severe air pollution caused by a widespread practice of open-air biomass burning, which leads to severe air pollution,” said Mohan.

This inspiration became even more relevant as countries across the region have been experiencing unprecedented heat waves with record-breaking temperatures. The stark realities of climate change prompted Takachar to create a solution that not only addresses environmental degradation but also transforms waste into economic opportunities for rural and underserved communities.

At the core of Takachar’s innovation is its development of small-scale, portable equipment that can be mounted on tractors and pickup trucks. This mobility allows the equipment to travel to remote and hard-to-access regions, enabling farmers to process crop and forest waste on-site. The waste, which includes materials like rice straws, sugar cane trash, and pine needles, is converted into valuable, carbon-negative byproducts such as fuels and fertilizers.

“Our solution works to support self-sufficient rural bioeconomies and advance sustainable agriculture,” said Mohan. 

By bringing the technology directly to rural communities, Takachar aims to empower local farmers to convert what would otherwise be environmental pollutants into resources that enhance soil health and contribute to economic stability.

Environmental and economic issues

According to Takachar, this decentralized approach is particularly suited to the Asia Pacific (Apac) region, where a significant portion of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. By enabling these communities to process biomass locally, the startup helps reduce their dependence on costly and carbon-intensive alternatives, fostering greater economic resilience.

Takachar hopes to address three critical problems: environmental degradation, economic exclusion, and logistical challenges.

The startup aims to mitigate air pollution caused by biomass burning. The practice not only contributes to climate change but also poses significant health risks, particularly in developing countries where alternative waste management options are scarce. 

“Biomass burning has significant impacts on individual health and is linked to increasing death rates in the region,” said Mohan.

Takachar seeks to bridge the gap between rural communities and the bioeconomy. Many of these communities lack access to the infrastructure, technology, and networks necessary to participate in this emerging economic sector. By providing affordable, mobile processing systems, Takachar enables these communities to turn waste into valuable products, opening up new economic opportunities.

The startup addresses the logistical challenges associated with transporting loose, bulky biomass. By processing the biomass on-site, Takachar reduces transportation costs and the associated carbon footprint, making the overall system more efficient and sustainable.

PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator

Takachar’s journey has been boosted by its inclusion in PepsiCo’s Apac 2024 Greenhouse Accelerator (GHAC) program. The program is designed to support startups with innovative solutions to sustainability challenges.

“The program has so far provided us with invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that are contributing to our growth,” Mohan said. 

Through GHAC, Takachar has gained access to industry leaders who are helping to refine their technology and scale operations. The startup has also had the opportunity to participate in pilot projects with PepsiCo’s partners, further validating its technology in real-world settings.

The strategic guidance and support from PepsiCo have been instrumental in accelerating Takachar’s research and development efforts. The startup is not only improving its current technology but also exploring new applications and partnerships that could expand its impact across the APAC region.

Philippine market

Takachar sees the Philippines as a particularly important market. With approximately 25% of the population employed in agriculture, the country presents significant opportunities for biomass waste management. The archipelagic nature of the Philippines, with its numerous remote and rural areas, makes it an ideal setting for Takachar’s decentralized, mobile approach.

The startup sources some of its machinery from the country and is actively involved in projects aimed at demonstrating the effectiveness of its solution in addressing local environmental challenges. By processing biomass locally, Takachar helps reduce the Philippines’ dependence on imported, carbon-intensive products, thereby enhancing the country’s resilience to global supply chain disruptions.

Takachar remains focused on expanding its geographic reach, raising awareness about the importance of sustainable biomass management, and continuously improving its technology. The startup plans to extend its operations to more rural communities across the Apac region and beyond, targeting areas where biomass burning is prevalent and where its solutions can have the most significant impact.

The startup is committed to investing in research and development to enhance the efficiency, scalability, and ease of deployment of its technology. By doing so, Takachar aims to make sustainable biomass processing accessible to even more communities, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

Collaboration will also play a crucial role in Takachar’s future success. The startup hopes to forge strong partnerships with organizations like PepsiCo to facilitate the adoption and implementation of its technology. These partnerships will be essential for navigating regulatory landscapes, accessing funding, and gaining local support in new markets.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of its technology and attract further support, Takachar is committed to establishing robust impact measurement and reporting systems. By tracking key metrics such as the amount of biomass processed, the reduction in air pollution, and the economic benefits to local communities, the startup aims to build trust with stakeholders and showcase the tangible benefits of its solutions.