Source: This post on Strengthening the Roots of an Agri-Carbon Market has been created based on “Strengthening the roots of an agri-carbon market” published in The Hindu on19th December 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topics: GS 3- Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment
Context: The article explores the transformative potential of carbon markets in Indian agriculture. It outlines how these markets could incentivize sustainable farming practices while simultaneously addressing climate change. The focus is on how carbon pricing, through compliance and voluntary carbon markets, can encourage businesses and individuals to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It also highlights India’s growing interest in establishing its own carbon markets and the progress made so far.
What are carbon markets, and how do they work?
- Carbon markets offer a way to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while incentivizing sustainable farming practices.
- Compliance Markets: Regulated systems impose emission caps on companies. Exceeding these caps requires purchasing carbon credits or paying carbon taxes.
- Voluntary Markets: Unregulated platforms like Verra and Gold Standard allow organizations to trade carbon credits freely.
- Both systems aim to lower GHG emissions and meet global climate goals.
What principles are crucial for carbon markets?
- Additionality: Credits must lead to new emission reductions, requiring adoption of fresh practices.
- Permanence: Benefits, such as soil carbon storage, must be long-lasting.
What recent advancements have been made in India’s carbon markets?
- India plans to launch compliance and voluntary carbon markets.
- NABARD, in collaboration with research bodies, has listed five agriculture carbon credit projects under Verra.
- Over four years, 50 projects have targeted 1.6 million hectares, aiming to generate 4.7 million credits annually. However, no credits have been issued yet, and farmers haven’t received payments.
What findings emerged from carbon farming projects in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh?
- Inclusiveness: Marginalized communities and women (4% participants) were largely excluded.
- Land Ownership: Carbon farmers cultivated more land, with 63% owned by non-marginalized castes compared to 46% among non-carbon farmers.
- Adoption of Practices: Techniques like zero tillage and intercropping were newly adopted, meeting the additionality criterion.
What challenges are hindering project success?
- Poor communication (45%) and lack of training (60%).
- Discontinuation of sustainable practices (28%) due to insufficient financial incentives.
- Delayed payments, with 99% of farmers receiving no carbon credit income.
How can projects be improved to boost farmer participation?
- Offer higher prices for credits from inclusive projects targeting smallholders and marginalized communities.
- Ensure regular training, effective communication, and timely payments.
- Collaborate with research institutions to minimize yield penalties and safeguard food security.
How can technology and collaboration strengthen carbon markets?
- Advances in remote sensing, satellite imagery, and drones can enhance monitoring.
- Building a robust agricultural carbon market requires policymakers, researchers, and private entities to ensure inclusivity, transparency, timely rewards, and effective implementation.
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