Eternal Group launches agro-forestry carbon credit model in India to offset emissions and boost farmer income

Eternal Group, formerly Zomato, has launched an agro-forestry carbon credit model under its Greening India initiative. The program encourages farmers to plant timber and fruit trees on their land. Eternal provides free inputs and retains the carbon rights from the trees to offset its own emissions. Farmers benefit from continued crop income in early years, fruit income from year four, and timber sales later. The project is active across 19 districts in 6 Indian states, with over 10,000 farmers enrolled this year. The model focuses on native species and aims to create a win-win for climate goals and rural livelihoods. Eternal says it prioritizes removal credits that physically pull CO2 from the air. The company has a voluntary net-zero commitment and sees agro-forestry as a credible path given India's agricultural base. The project is still young at two years, but enrollment is growing fast. Key details like carbon credit verification standards and per-ton pricing are not yet disclosed.