The project “Sustainable Utilization of Invasive Plant Biomass for Biochar Production and Bioactive Compound Recovery in Uttarakhand” has been awarded to Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, India, and is generously funded by the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India. This initiative is led by Principal Investigator Dr. Durgesh Kumar Jaiswal, Assistant Professor at GEU, alongside Co-Principal Investigators Dr. Shailja Punetha, Scientist-D at GBPNIHE; Dr. Prabhakar Semwal, Associate Professor at GEU; and Dr. Vishal Tripathi, Assistant Professor at GEU. It aims to address the intertwined ecological and socio-economic challenges caused by the widespread spread of invasive plant species in the Himalayan region.
The urgency of the situation is emphasised by the rising threat of invasive species, including Parthenium hysterophorus, Ageratum conyzoides, Eichhornia crassipes, and Lantana camara, to Uttarakhand’s unique and fragile ecosystems. These species outcompete native flora, disrupt ecosystem services, and degrade soil health, directly impacting agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. The project’s scientific approach involves identifying and sustainably harvesting these invasive species, followed by their conversion into biochar using advanced pyrolysis techniques. Biochar, a carbon-rich material, has been proven to enhance soil fertility, increase nutrient availability, and support microbial activity, thereby restoring degraded lands and boosting crop yields.
At the same time, the project investigates extracting high-value bioactive compounds from invasive biomass. These compounds could be used as natural pesticides and nutraceuticals, providing a sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. By developing efficient, budget-friendly extraction methods, the project seeks to create new value chains that benefit the environment and have the potential to strengthen the local economy.
Community engagement is not just a part of this initiative; it is central to it. Rural communities in districts such as Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Haridwar, Rudraprayag, Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, and Pithoragarh are not merely recipients of the project’s benefits; they are active participants. They are being trained in sustainable harvesting and processing techniques, empowering them with new skills and creating employment opportunities that foster economic resilience and social inclusion.
This NMHS-funded project demonstrates a comprehensive, science-led approach to resource management and rural development. Combining ecological restoration with innovative economic strategies aligns with national priorities for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. The expected outcomes include healthier soils, increased carbon storage, diversified rural income sources, and stronger ecosystem stability, creating a replicable model for other Himalayan and global regions facing similar challenges.