On 10 July 2024, the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) conducted the Webinar on Utilizing the Potential of Biochar for Soil Improvement and Sustainable Farming via an online Zoom video conferencing platform.
Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Director of the Programs and Projects Department of the IOFS, delivered the welcoming remarks for the webinar. Additionally, Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of the Science and Technology Sector at ICESCO, welcomed the participants and gave opening remarks as well.
82 experts, academicians, and industry representatives from 19 OIC Member States attended the event to discuss innovative biochar applications and share research findings on enhancing soil resilience and sustainable farming practices.
Dr. Ghulam Haider from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan, provided insights into the development of biochar technologies to improve soil health, emphasizing the projects he implemented in Pakistan and Germany. Dr. Mohammad Alherbawi from Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar, gave a comprehensive presentation on biochar application by the university in addressing soil and water management challenges in Qatar. Prof. Haytham Mohamed Elsharkawi from Agricultural Research Center of Egypt discussed the journey of biochar solutions from conceptualization to practical application in Egyptian agriculture.
Dr. Osama E. Mohawesh from Mutah University, Jordan, showcased how biochar technology can transform local farming practices, emphasizing the benefits of biochar in enhancing soil fertility and crop yields. Dr. İbrahim Ortas from the University of Cukurova, Türkiye, demonstrated how biochar can be tailored to improve soil performance in the Mediterranean region, and mentioned his various studies in the field. Finally, Dr. Mohamad Faizal Ibrahim from University Putra Malaysia presented on the Biomass Microwave Carbonizer, a clean and efficient technology for biochar production in Malaysia.
The event concluded with outcomes remarks emphasizing the importance of biochar in sustainable agriculture, and readiness of IOFS and ICESCO for further support of initiatives on biochar utilization across member states.
The webinar provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and highlighted the critical role of biochar technologies in addressing global food security challenges. The IOFS remains committed to fostering innovation and collaboration to drive sustainable agricultural development across member states.
