Biochar Made from Camel Dung Unveiled as ‘Miracle Soil’ in Dubai
Water-retaining fertilizer derived from manure holds potential for fostering plant growth in desert environments
Dubai: In Dubai, a pioneering collaboration has commenced industrial-scale production of biochar derived from camel dung. Biochar, a byproduct of the thermo-chemical conversion of biomass like animal waste, transforms into a charcoal-like substance that significantly enhances soil properties for agricultural purposes.
The venture between Viqa Investment, a German company based in Dubai, and the Emirates Factory for the Production of Camel Milk and Its Derivatives (Camelicious), marks a historic step in the UAE. It signifies the commencement of industrial biochar production using camel waste for the first time in the country.
Mutasher Awadh Al Badry, CEO of Emirates Industry for Camel Milk and Products Factory, expressed how this collaboration stands as a vital commitment towards addressing a substantial environmental challenge. He highlighted the innovative approach to efficiently manage and repurpose significant volumes of camel manure. Al Badry emphasized the alignment of this initiative with the UAE Vision 2050’s net-zero strategy for achieving carbon emissions neutrality.
The process not only addresses environmental impacts but also generates clean biological energy, contributing to the farm’s energy needs while promoting sustainability goals. The overarching objective remains the transformation of arid landscapes into cultivable lands to bolster food security and agricultural development.
Adam Viqa, Chairman and CEO of Viqa Investment, stressed the camel’s historical significance in the UAE. He highlighted the animal’s role as a source of fertile land, turning camel waste into a circular treasure, contributing to the country’s sustainability objectives.
The endeavor integrates ‘Carbo-FORCE,’ a German technology that converts residues into energy and biochar. Recently showcased at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai by the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, the technology has now been introduced at Camelicious.
Viqa described the resultant biochar as akin to a ‘miracle soil’, drawing parallels to its historical use by South American indigenous communities. This innovation has the potential to transform once-barren desert landscapes by harnessing the water retention capabilities of biochar and contributing significantly to water conservation efforts.
Moreover, the production of biochar aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by mitigating the need for landfills, known sources of methane emissions. The process not only sequesters carbon but also harnesses renewable energy, paving the way for organic agriculture in the desert while reducing carbon dioxide emissions and fostering self-sufficiency in agricultural practices.
