CM Sukhu: Biochar project to earn Himachal carbon credits, create jobs

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently reviewed the progress of Biochar plants under construction in Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh. The initiative aims to generate employment, promote sustainable forest resource management, and help the state earn carbon credits.

A tripartite agreement was signed in August last year between Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, the forest department, and ProClime Services Private Limited, Chennai, to establish two Biochar plants at Neri and Jahu. Biomass is being purchased at Rs 2.50 per kg, with performance-based incentives for maintaining quality. The project focuses on producing Biochar from biomass such as pine needles, lantana, bamboo, and other plant-based resources.

The project is projected to generate approximately 28,800 carbon credits over a decade, supporting Himachal Pradesh's green initiatives. The HIM Evergreen Integrated Climate-Smart Agriculture and Agro-forestry Programme will integrate trees into farming systems, enhancing resilience and creating economic opportunities for farming communities.

Spanning 50,000 hectares of agricultural landscapes, the program aims to manage 13.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. It will also improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and increase farm resilience through carbon sequestration.

The program will utilize GIS, remote sensing, and digital data collection systems aligned with international carbon market standards to achieve measurable climate outcomes.