Himachal Pradesh is setting a green precedent with India’s first state-supported biochar programme. A biochar plant will be established in Neri, Hamirpur district, within the next six months, marking a significant step towards environmental conservation and sustainable development. The initiative was announced following the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, and ProClime Services Private Limited.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted the project’s dual benefits. It aims to mitigate forest fires intelligently while also creating livelihood opportunities for local communities. The programme will utilise biomass such as pine needles, lantana, and bamboo to produce biochar, a carbon-rich material with diverse industrial and agricultural applications.
The project is set to benefit multiple districts, including Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Chamba, Bilaspur, and Solan, particularly those rich in pine forests. Local communities will play a crucial role in sustainable biomass collection, earning Rs 2.50 per kilogram collected. Performance-based incentives will further encourage quality and quantity maintenance.
Beyond employment generation, the initiative is expected to create nearly 50,000 person-days of income annually. Additionally, skill development programmes will train participants in safe biomass collection, biochar applications, and climate change mitigation. Over its 10-year operational period, the project is projected to generate approximately 28,800 carbon credits, boosting Himachal Pradesh’s green economy.
The collaboration also focuses on eradicating invasive species like lantana and ensuring sustainable use of pine needles and bamboo. ProClime Services will invest up to USD 1 million in phased implementation, while the Forest Department will oversee compliance with environmental regulations. The university will provide land for the plant and conduct research on biochar’s agricultural benefits.
Biochar, derived from forest and farm biomass, has wide-ranging uses in agriculture and metallurgy. ProClime’s expertise in carbon credit generation and climate mitigation ensures the project’s alignment with international standards. The presence of key officials, including MLA Suresh Kumar and Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant, underscores the government’s commitment to this transformative initiative.
As Himachal Pradesh takes the lead in biochar innovation, the programme promises to enhance soil health, promote carbon sequestration, and uplift rural livelihoods. This pioneering effort could serve as a model for other states aiming to balance ecological preservation with economic growth.