🎋 Happy Ground x KTIS: Scaling Farmer-First Innovation Through Biochar Across 64,000 Hectares

We’re proud to announce that Happy Ground has signed a 3-year MOU with KTIS R&D to launch one of Thailand’s largest biochar research collaborations. This partnership will focus on biochar application in sugarcane systems across 64,000 hectares in Nakhon Sawan, working directly with over 10,000 smallholder farmers in KTIS’s supply chain.

The MOU was signed with Mr. Apichart Noochprayoon, CEO of KTIS Bio Business, and Mr. Poomrata Wangpreedalertkul, Director of Supply Chain at KTIS—marking a powerful commitment from KTIS leadership to prioritize climate-smart innovation that truly works for farmers.

We also had the opportunity to spend the day with Mr. Prin Siriwiriyakul, Managing Director of KTIS’s Sugar Factory, who shared openly about the challenges of decarbonizing Thailand’s agri-supply chain:

“If KTIS would make a loss for a few million baht per year, it’s no problem. For farmers, it’s different. Just a few thousand baht of loss has so much impact on them. This is why we need to be very thoughtful about any innovation we bring into the supply chain.”
— Mr. Prin Siriwiriyakul, Managing Director, KTIS Sugar Factory

“The hardest part for supply-chain decarbonization,” he added, “is at the farm.”

Regenerative Research at Scale

This project isn't just about testing a new input—it’s about creating a farmer-centered pathway to regenerative agriculture that is scientifically grounded, economically viable, and climate-resilient.

Our research collaboration will:

• Trial biochar application methods in sugarcane cultivation across diverse field conditions

• Monitor soil health, crop yield, and return on investment for farmers

• Deploy digital traceability and monitoring tools to track impact

• Provide the foundation for carbon credits and corporate insetting solutions

Parallel Research: Turning Waste into Climate Value

This on-farm research runs in parallel with a biomass valorization study to transform over 30,000 tonnes of sugarcane leaf waste into high-quality biochar. This is part of our mission to combat open-field burning, a common but environmentally damaging practice used to clear agricultural residues.

By developing an integrated system that addresses both soil regeneration and biomass circularity, KTIS and Happy Ground are laying the groundwork for a scalable, data-driven climate solution that directly benefits farmers and the planet.

What Comes Next

The first planting season begins this year, with field trials, data collection, and farmer co-design leading the way. This multi-season research will guide both on-farm practice and industry-wide standards—helping Thai agriculture lead the way in carbon-smart transformation.

We’re deeply grateful to KTIS for their visionary leadership and their trust in Happy Ground to support their journey from biomass to biochar, and from carbon problem to carbon solution.