UP Farmers To Earn From Carbon Credits By Planting Trees On Farm Boundaries

The Uttar Pradesh government has finalised an ‘agroforestry policy’ that will allow farmers to generate additional income from the carbon credits obtained by the plants on their farm boundaries. The state aims to increase its green cover from 9.23 per cent to 15 per cent by 2027 by linking farming with the global carbon credit market.

The carbon credits are sold at a price based on the social impact and the “polluter pays” principle, with polluting industries purchasing them. One credit is equal to one ton of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases reduced or sequestered via plantation.

The farmers will get financial support for planting and maintaining the saplings, which will be of the species that grow vertically and do not affect the crop yield. The policy will also ensure the quality of plants for better profit.

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“The policy will also ensure the quality of plants to be provided to farmers for better yield and earning. This part is important as no farmer will go for agroforestry without a good profit. When they do so, they expect the best produce and maximum profit,” Forest and Environment Minister Arun Saxena said.

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The policy is aimed at making the process easy for farmers and supporting them financially. Saxena also said that agroforestry promotes carbon-neutral growth and plays a crucial role in increasing the green cover.