India's first biochar plant in Himachal to generate 28,800 carbon credits over 10 years

Himachal Pradesh is building its first indigenous biochar plant at Neri in Hamirpur district, expected to generate around 28,800 carbon credits over a decade. The plant converts biomass like pine needles, lantana, and bamboo into biochar, a carbon-rich material that improves soil health and stores carbon. A second plant is also planned at Jahu. The project is part of the HIM Evergreen Integrated Climate-Smart Agriculture and Agro-forestry Programme, covering 50,000 hectares of farmland. It uses GIS, remote sensing, and digital monitoring aligned with international carbon market standards. Locals collecting biomass will be paid Rs 2.5 per kg plus performance incentives, creating rural income. The initiative involves a tripartite agreement between Dr YS Parmar University, the forest department, and ProClime Services Pvt Ltd.