The first indigenous Biochar plant of the country being set up at Neri in Hamirpur district will not only contribute in environment conservation but also create livelihood opportunities for the local community besides enhancing public awareness about environment conservation. A tripartite agreement was signed during August last year between Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni, Forest department and ProClime Services Private Limited, Chennai to establish two Biochar plants at Neri and Jahu in Hamirpur district.
While reviewing the ongoing progress of establishment of Biochar plants in the State here today, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the project would generate employment opportunities, promote sustainable management of forest resources and assist the State in earning carbon credits thereby contributing to both environment conservation and economic development immensely.
Biomass being collected is purchased at Rs.2.50 per kg with performance based incentives for maintaining quality. The programme envisages the production of Biochar through the utilization of biomass derived from pine needles, lantana, bamboo and other tree and plants based biomass resources.
Over the operational period of ten years, the project is expected to generate about 28800 carbon credits giving a boost to Himachal Pradesh's green initiatives. The HIM Evergreen Integrated Climate-Smart Agriculture and Agro-forestry Programme will integrate trees into farming systems, strengthen resilience and create long-term economic opportunities for farming communities.
Spanning 50,000 hectares of eligible agricultural landscapes across Himachal Pradesh, this will bring 13.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions under management. This programme will also improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, increase farm resilience and generate measurable climate outcomes through carbon sequestration.
Under the programme, GIS, remote sensing and digital data collection systems aligned with international carbon market standards will be deployed. Former Executive Director of UNEP and Advisory Board, Proclime Erik Solheim said that the organization was committed to combining scientific rigour and practical implementation on the ground to fight the climate crisis. He lauded the efforts of the State Government in showcasing the strengthening to mitigate the carbon emissions.
Secretary, Environment Science and Technology and Climate Change Sushil Kumar Singla and founder and Chief Executive Officer, Proclime Kavin Kumar Kandasamy were also present on the occasion among others.