HUSK progress report 2023

Background

HUSK focuses on creating affordable carbon-based fertilizers for smallholder farmers in South East (SE) Asia. HUSK uses a feedstock (rice husk) that would otherwise have rapidly decomposed when used as chicken bedding or burnt. It transforms it into biochar to create a fertilizer sold to organic farmers, increasing yields and reducing costs significantly. Their model contributes to increasing farmers' incomes, restoring soils and removing carbon.

Progress

Over the past reporting period, HUSK has made significant progress in its mission. 362 tonnes previously purchased under the CTF have been delivered. All tonnes purchased so far will have been delivered by 2026. The organization successfully installed a new pyrolysis unit, which has increased their production capacity fivefold and reduced the cost of producing biochar by 70%. This has made their carbon-based fertilizers more affordable for smallholder farmers.

HUSK also launched a granulated carbon-based fertilizer, enabling them to target rice farmers, a new sector for the organization. The organization also initiated crop trials with partners in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand to study the impact of their carbon-based fertilizers on key crops in tropical regions. This research could have important implications for the transition to more regenerative agricultural practices in SE Asia. In addition and to further boost their social impact, HUSK launched a network of micro-entrepreneur women called 'women superfarmers'. This initiative is aimed at boosting rural employment and extending the distribution of products to remote rural areas.

Purchases through the CTF made a significant contribution to enable HUSK to finance the installation of a new pyrolysis and granulation equipment to achieve affordability.