Shimla, June 30 (IANS) The first indigenous biochar plant of the country, being set up at Neri in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh, will not only contribute to environment conservation but also create livelihood opportunities for the local community, besides enhancing public awareness about environment conservation.

A tripartite agreement was signed in August last year between the Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, the Forest Department and ProClime to establish two biochar plants at Neri and Jahu in Hamirpur district.

While reviewing the ongoing progress of the establishment of plants, Chief Minister Sukhvinder 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 immensely to both environmental conservation and economic development.

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 utilisation of biomass derived from pine needles, lantana, bamboo and other tree and plant-based biomass resources.

Over the operational period of 10 years, the project is expected to generate about 28,800 carbon credits, giving a boost to Himachal Pradesh’s green initiatives, an official statement said.

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 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 Erik Solheim said that the organisation 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 steps to mitigate carbon emissions.

–IANS

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