Ladakh scholar turns apricot waste into eco-friendly soil enhancer

A breakthrough study by Dr. Sajad Hussain, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at Government Degree College Dras, has demonstrated how discarded apricot seed shells can be converted into biochar, a soil enhancer that boosts fertility, conserves moisture, and supports sustainable farming in Ladakh.

Dr. Sajad Hussain has successfully in his doctoral research, titled “Use of Prunus armeniaca Shell Biochar Collected from the Cold Desert Climatic Area of Ladakh as a Soil Enhancer,” presents an innovative and sustainable approach to converting agricultural waste into a valuable resource for improving soil health.

The study focuses on transforming discarded apricot seed shells—an abundant agro-waste generated in the Ladakh region—into biochar through controlled pyrolysis. The resulting biochar enhances soil fertility, improves water-holding capacity, promotes nutrient retention, and supports sustainable vegetable cultivation, offering an environmentally friendly solution for waste management in the fragile cold desert ecosystem of Ladakh, he said.

Sajad Hussain’s research has received international recognition through the publication of three research papers in reputed Scopus-indexed international journals, including two journals published under the Nature Portfolio. These publications highlight the scientific quality, novelty, and global relevance of his work in the fields of biochar technology, sustainable agriculture, and environmental management, he said.

His research demonstrates how locally available agricultural waste can be converted into a high-value soil amendment, contributing to climate-resilient farming, circular economy practices, and sustainable development in ecologically sensitive regions. The work is expected to benefit farmers, researchers, policymakers, and environmental practitioners by promoting resource conservation and eco-friendly agricultural practices.