Himachal Pradesh Launches India’s First State-Supported Biochar Programme.
Biochar Plant to Be Set Up at Neri in Hamirpur Within Six Months; MoA Signed in Presence of CM Sukhu.
Shimla:
In a landmark step towards environmental sustainability and rural livelihood enhancement, Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in India to launch a government-supported Biochar Programme. The initiative was formally launched today with the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, and ProClime Services Pvt. Ltd., Chennai in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Oak Over, Shimla.
Under this agreement, a Biochar production plant will be established at Neri in Hamirpur district within six months. The plant will utilize forest and agricultural biomass such as pine needles, lantana, bamboo, and other tree residues to produce biochar—a carbon-rich substance with applications in agriculture, metallurgy, and climate mitigation.
Chief Minister Sukhu called the project a visionary step toward environmental conservation and community empowerment. “This programme will help mitigate forest fires, combat invasive species like lantana, promote carbon sequestration, and create livelihood opportunities for forest-dependent communities,” he said.
Employment, Environment, and Carbon Credit Goals
The project is expected to generate nearly 50,000 person-days of income annually through biomass collection alone. Local residents in districts including Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Chamba, Bilaspur, and Solan—especially those in pine-rich regions—will be engaged in biomass collection and paid Rs. 2.50 per kg, along with performance-based incentives. The initiative will also provide direct employment in the operation and maintenance of the biochar plant.
Additionally, the programme is expected to produce approximately 28,800 carbon credits over the next 10 years, allowing Himachal Pradesh to access global carbon markets and strengthen its green economy.
Institutional Roles and Investment
ProClime Services Pvt. Ltd. will invest up to USD 1 million in a phased manner for the implementation of the project. The Forest Department will facilitate sustainable biomass collection, involving local communities and ensuring regulatory compliance. The University will provide three acres of land at Neri, assist with regulatory approvals, and lead research on biochar applications and training programmes on biomass collection and safe pyrolysis practices.
This collaborative framework is designed to reduce forest fire hazards, improve soil fertility, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and create an economically viable model of climate resilience and carbon credit monetization.
Among those present at the signing ceremony were MLA Suresh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) Sanjay Sood, Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajeshwar Thakur, and representatives from ProClime Services Pvt. Ltd.
With this bold initiative, Himachal Pradesh sets a new benchmark in integrating environmental conservation with rural economic development, paving the way for other states to follow.
