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Key Points

Himachal Pradesh has launched India's first state-supported biochar production programme. The project will convert pine needles and invasive species into biochar while reducing forest fire risks. Local communities will earn income by collecting biomass at Rs 2.50 per kilogram. The initiative aims to generate carbon credits and create sustainable livelihood opportunities across six districts.

Key Points: Himachal CM Sukhu Launches India's First State Biochar Programme

  • First state-supported biochar plant in India at Neri Hamirpur
  • Uses pine needles and lantana to reduce forest fire risk
  • Pays locals Rs 2.50 per kg for biomass collection
  • Expected to generate 28,800 carbon credits over 10 years
3 min read

Himachal Pradesh CM launches India's first state-supported Biochar programme

Himachal Pradesh launches India's first state-supported biochar plant in Hamirpur using pine needles & lantana to create jobs and carbon credits.

"This project was a step towards environmental conservation through intelligent mitigation of forest fires - Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, August 28

India's first state-supported Biochar programme will commence in Himachal Pradesh, with a biochar plant to be established at Neri in Hamirpur district within six months, an official statement said.

A tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in this regard was signed on Wednesday at Oak Over, Shimla, in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, between Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, and ProClime Services Private Limited, Chennai, the statement added.

The Chief Minister said, "This project was a step towards environmental conservation through intelligent mitigation of forest fires, while also enhancing livelihood opportunities and awareness among communities."

The collaboration aims to produce biochar by utilising biomass such as pine needles, lantana, bamboo, and other tree-based materials.

Sukhu directed that the MoA be implemented within six months to benefit the people of Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Chamba, Bilaspur, and Solan districts, particularly areas with abundant pine forests.

The initiative will not only create employment opportunities but also help the state to secure carbon credits. ProClime, through the Forest Department, will engage local communities in sustainable biomass collection, and the participants will be paid Rs 2.50 per kg of biomass collected, with performance-based incentives for maintaining quality and quantity.

The programme is expected to generate nearly 50,000 person-days of income annually through biomass collection, along with direct employment in plant operations.

Skill development programmes will also be organised in partnership with the university on safe collection practices, biochar applications in agriculture, and climate change mitigation. Over its 10-year operational period, the project is expected to generate about 28,800 carbon credits, giving a boost to Himachal Pradesh's green initiatives.

Under the tripartite agreement, a collaborative framework has been established to mitigate forest fires, eradicate invasive species such as lantana, and ensure the sustainable use of pine needles, bamboo and other biomass residues for the production of biochar through pyrolysis technology.

The initiative will enhance soil health, promote carbon sequestration, generate and monetise carbon credits under international standards, and create local livelihood opportunities through biomass collection and skill development.

ProClime Services Pvt. Ltd. will invest up to USD 1 million in the phased implementation of the project.

The Forest Department will coordinate and monitor sustainable biomass collection with community involvement, provide necessary permits and concessions, and ensure compliance with forest and environmental regulations. The University will provide about three acres of land at Neri, Hamirpur, for the plant and storage facilities, support necessary approvals, and undertake research on biochar applications in agriculture, the statement said.

Biochar, derived from forest and farm-based biomass, has a wide range of applications in agriculture, metallurgy, and other industries.

ProClime Services Pvt. Ltd., specialising in biochar production, carbon credit generation, and climate mitigation projects, intends to make the necessary capital investment to set up and operate the project.

MLA Suresh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant, PCCF (HoFF) Sanjay Sood, Vice Chancellor of the University Dr Rajeshwar Thakur and the representatives of the ProClime company were present.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Rs 2.50 per kg for biomass collection is quite low considering the difficult terrain. Hope they revise the rates to make it more attractive for local communities. Otherwise the participation might be limited.
Michael C
As someone working in climate tech, this is exactly the kind of project India needs - addressing multiple problems simultaneously: forest fires, invasive species, carbon sequestration, and rural employment. The carbon credit potential is impressive!
A
Ananya R
Finally tackling the lantana menace! This invasive species has destroyed so much of our forest biodiversity. Using it for productive purposes while clearing it is a win-win. Hope they expand this to other districts quickly 🌿
S
Suresh K
Good step but implementation is key. Hope the forest department ensures sustainable collection without damaging the ecosystem. Also, local communities should get proper training and fair compensation for their efforts.
K
Kavya N
This is what development should look like - environmentally conscious and community inclusive. Creating 50,000 person-days of work while fighting climate change? Himachal showing the way forward! 🙌

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