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ProClime, a leader in carbon removal solutions, is proud to announce a landmark partnership with the Government of Himachal Pradesh (HP). This collaboration marks the initiation of India's first state-backed industrial biochar program, a pioneering effort to combat climate change while addressing critical environmental challenges within the state.
The Memorandum of Association (MoA), signed today in Shimla, is a tri-party alliance between ProClime, the Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, and the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department. The MoA mandates the establishment of a biochar plant at Neri in Hamirpur district within the next six months.
"This is a major step towards sustainable practices and awareness among local communities," said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who was present on the occasion.
Biochar, a highly stable form of charcoal produced from biomass residues, is a potent tool for carbon removal. When incorporated into soil, it can sequester carbon for hundreds of years, making it a powerful solution for long-term carbon sequestration. This initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable environmental practices, with the collaboration leveraging biomass such as pine needles, lantana, and bamboo to produce biochar through pyrolysis technology.
Boasting a forest cover of 27.73%, Himachal Pradesh has significant biochar potential. By leveraging the state’s forest biomass residues, including pine needles, this initiative aims to create value for the state. The systematic collection and processing of this material will not only support biochar production but also directly contribute to the prevention of devastating forest fires, a recurring issue in the region. Furthermore, the creation of biochar will generate high-integrity carbon credits, providing a new revenue stream for the state and local communities.
“ProClime’s partnership with the Government of Himachal Pradesh is a testament to the immense potential of biochar as a scalable climate solution,” said Mr. Kavin Kumar Kandasamy, Founder & CEO, ProClime. “By working hand-in-hand with the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department and Y.S. Parmar University, we are not only contributing to global carbon removal efforts but also creating a sustainable, long-term program that will directly benefit the people and forests of Himachal.”
The move positions ProClime as the first company to work directly with an Indian state government to produce biochar on an industrial scale. We are immensely proud to partner with the Government of Himachal Pradesh and commend their forward-thinking leadership in recognizing the value of biochar as a climate solution and a strategic asset for the state's environmental and economic future.
This partnership was made possible thanks to the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who recognized biochar as a strategic asset for the state's environmental and economic future. ProClime also extends its gratitude to Prof. Rajeshwar S. Chandel, the Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, for his instrumental support.
The program will incentivize local communities to collect biomass, offering Rs 2.50 per kg along with performance-based incentives. The project, which will be implemented in districts with abundant pine forests, is expected to generate nearly 50,000 person-days of annual income through biomass collection alone, in addition to direct employment. ProClime will invest up to $1 million (US) in the project's phased implementation. The Forest Department will monitor and coordinate biomass collection, while the University will provide three acres of land at Neri and assist in research on biochar applications.
ProClime is a climate-first unified service provider, focused on facilitating a transition to Net Zero through Carbon Projects, Carbon Trade, Climate Investments and Advisory Services. With a mission of bringing the power of the markets into the climate opportunity, ProClime is focused on developing and implementing scalable carbon removal solutions. Through innovative partnerships and technology, ProClime aims to accelerate the adoption of carbon removal projects in India to achieve global climate goals and create a pro-climate world for all.
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