Carbon Crediting in Agriculture- A Means to Achieve India’s Climate Change Commitments

Author: Sheri Vaishnav, Sai Suvidh, M., Yakadri, M. and Ramulu, V.

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Abstract

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) from human activities including agriculture are the most significant driver of observed climate change since the mid-20th century. Agriculture is not only the emitter but also the sufferer of climate change. There is an immediate need to search for the ways to reduces GHG emissions from agriculture as it is the source of livelihood to 2/3rd of employed class in country. Carbon crediting a latest strategy emerging across the globe may become one of the tools that minimises adverse environmental impact in agriculture. Carbon crediting in agriculture will not only act as an additional source of income at farmers level but it also contributes to nations commitment at COP-26 for reducing emissions by 2030. Certain climate smart agricultural practices like reduced tillage, no tillage and alternate cultivation systems like dry direct seeded rice (DDSR), zero till planting and laser land levelling were already proved to have great potential in fixing atmospheric carbon (C) and in increasing soil carbon status. On the other side the same systems are also responsible for reducing the consumption of fossil fuels & agro-chemicals to sustain farming systems in a profitable path.

Keywords

Greenhouse gases (GHGs), agriculture, environment, carbon crediting

Conclusion

Certain conventional agricultural practices like puddling, intensive cultivation, etc., are responsible for elevated GHG emissions in the atmosphere. Encouraging farmers to adopt climate smart cultivation practices which enriches soil organic carbon status through fixing atmospheric CO2 are valued through carbon crediting system. Carbon crediting is relatively a new concept with capacity to generate additional income to farmers can be used as a means to lessen the load of GHGs on environment and improve farmers income. Though this system is already popular in developed countries like United States of America it has equal importance and potential under Indian context too for which positive and immediate legislative and scientific backup is essential.

References

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How to cite this article

Sheri Vaishnav, Sai Suvidh, M., Yakadri, M. and Ramulu, V. (2022). Carbon Crediting in Agriculture- A Means to Achieve India’s Climate Change Commitments. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(4): 715-719.