CRIA convened a focused knowledge session at the ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute campus as part of the ongoing CRIA–ICAR–IARI strategic partnership. The session marked an important step in a coordinated research effort to assess the agronomic benefits of biochar and enhanced rock weathering in India, with the aim of generating robust scientific evidence for agricultural co-benefits linked to durable carbon removal.

Leading researchers Prof. David Manning and Dr Anjali Jayakumar from Newcastle University, UK, shared insights from their latest work on enhanced rock weathering and biochar, outlining scientific progress, measurement approaches, and the potential of these pathways to improve soil function while enabling long-term carbon storage.

The discussion brought together senior scientists from IARI, including Dr Rabindra Padaria, Dr Soora Naresh Kumar, Dr Srinivasa Brahmanand Pothula, and Dr Debashish Mandal, alongside their colleagues. Participants exchanged perspectives on agronomy, field experimentation, and opportunities to integrate land-based CDR approaches within Indian agricultural systems, particularly in ways that support soil health, productivity, and climate resilience for smallholder farmers.

The session also reinforced the importance of Global South–North scientific collaboration, data interoperability, and research-to-policy translation as India works to build a credible and practical pathway for high-integrity durable carbon removal. CRIA is grateful to the ICAR–IARI team for hosting the session and looks forward to continued collaboration through the next phases of the joint field study.