Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. has commissioned a ~20,000 tonne/annum high-tech industrial-scale biochar facility in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, advancing climate-smart agriculture, circular manufacturing, and engineered carbon removal at commercial scale. The facility, developed with global experts, stands among the world’s largest single-unit biochar reactors and processes more than 50 metric tonnes of agricultural and fruit processing residue per day. This development places India at the forefront of the global biochar and carbon removal movement.

The Jalgaon plant is the first of multiple biochar reactors, with additional units already under development. Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich material produced through pyrolysis, where agricultural crop residue is heated in a low-oxygen environment. This process stores carbon in a durable form for hundreds of years while improving soil health, contrasting with unsustainable disposal or open burning of crop residue.

Farm-to-Soil Circular Economy

The project establishes a farm-to-soil circular economy by converting crop residues into premium biochar, which is returned to farmers’ fields to improve soil fertility, enhance water retention, and strengthen climate-ready agriculture. By creating value from agricultural residue, the initiative opens new income streams for farmers and lowers dependence on synthetic inputs. JISL’s existing infrastructure across micro-irrigation, planting material, agri-food processing, and solar systems provides a ready-built channel to return biochar directly to farms at scale.

India generates over 500 million tonnes of crop residue annually, much of which is openly burned. The JISL facility transforms this challenge into an economic opportunity by improving long-term farm economics, creating rural employment, and supporting India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). The project also enables farmers to participate directly in the global carbon economy through durable, measurable, and verifiable carbon dioxide removal credits.

Key Facility Metrics

Industry Perspectives

Mr Alvin Lee, Head of Supply at Puro.earth, highlighted the significance of the facility, stating that it reflects the scale and leadership needed in Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). He noted that biochar is relevant for agricultural economies across Asia, offering durable carbon removal alongside benefits for soil health and reduced fertilizer dependency.

Mr. Anil Jain, Managing Director of Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd., described the milestone as a proud moment that reimagines the agriculture value chain. He emphasized that the project creates a circular system benefiting farmers and stakeholders by turning agricultural residue into a valuable resource.

Jain Irrigation Systems reported its audited standalone and consolidated financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2026. On a consolidated basis, total income for the full year grew 10.7% year-on-year to ₹6,399.5 crore from ₹5,779.3 crore, while standalone total income rose 8.4% to ₹3,533.3 crore from ₹3,259.0 crore. Consolidated EBITDA for the full year improved 12.8% to ₹808.9 crore, with the EBITDA margin expanding 24 basis points to 12.6%. The consolidated adjusted PAT — calculated before exceptional items, deferred tax re-measured impact, and unwinding of finance costs related to 0.01% NCDs/EBCs — surged 36.0% to ₹133.1 crore for the full year, compared to ₹97.8 crore in the prior year. The reported consolidated net loss after tax for the full year stood at ₹(40.0) crore, against a profit of ₹25.7 crore previously, reflecting non-cash items including the unwinding of deferred tax assets due to a shift to the new tax regime.

Quarterly Performance

For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, consolidated total income grew 4.3% year-on-year to ₹1,824.0 crore from ₹1,748.7 crore, while standalone total income declined 2.4% to ₹1,003.1 crore from ₹1,027.3 crore. Consolidated EBITDA for the quarter rose 7.3% to ₹239.9 crore, with the EBITDA margin improving 37 basis points to 13.2%. The consolidated adjusted PAT for the quarter grew 11.6% to ₹51.8 crore from ₹46.4 crore. The reported consolidated net loss after tax for the quarter was ₹(19.0) crore compared to a profit of ₹27.9 crore in the same quarter of the prior year. Standalone net profit after tax for the quarter stood at ₹11.3 crore against ₹28.3 crore previously.

The following table summarises the quarterly financial metrics (₹ in crore):

Full-Year Financial Performance

The following table summarises the full-year financial metrics (₹ in crore):

Management Commentary and Outlook

Commenting on the results, Mr. Anil Jain, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, noted that Q4 FY26 was marked by global uncertainties and a sharp rise in polymer prices in March following geopolitical developments. Despite these headwinds, the company delivered consolidated revenue growth of 4.3% year-on-year, led by strong performance in the Hi-Tech and Agro Processing segments, with cash generation of ₹233 crore in the quarter, representing approximately 97% of EBITDA. For the full year, focused working capital management enabled the company to generate operating cash flow of ₹619 crore, equivalent to 76% of EBITDA. The India Meteorological Department has forecasted below normal monsoon for 2026, and the company continues to monitor the evolving global environment for potential impacts on input costs and international trade flows. Management expects improved policy continuity and a revival of irrigation and infrastructure spending to support stronger demand, while remaining focused on revenue growth and improving collections from project receivables.