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ProClime, in partnership with the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD), today announced the launch of a large-scale afforestation carbon project in Himachal Pradesh focused on strengthening climate resilience and farmer livelihoods while supporting India’s long-term net-zero goals.
The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 50,000+ smallhold farmers across the state by integrating afforestation into their farmlands and field bunds.
ProClime has committed up to USD 7 million to finance project design, on-ground implementation, farmer participation, and long-term monitoring across all phases. The project will cover up to 50,000 hectares of private agricultural land below approximately 1,500 meters above sea level across the state’s tropical bioclimatic zones.
“This initiative reflects Himachal Pradesh’s commitment to climate leadership rooted in grassroots participation. By scaling afforestation across farmlands, we are empowering farmers to be custodians of our environment while driving long-term ecological and economic sustainability.” said Hon’ble Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
The initiative will be implemented in three phases:
Phase 1: 15,000 hectares
Phase 2: 15,000 hectares
Phase 3: 20,000 hectares
It is designed as an Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation (ARR) project aligned with leading international carbon standards, with a planned 40-year lifecycle. Once fully rolled out, the project will establish approximately 2.5 million trees on field bunds and underutilized agricultural land. ProClime will bear the cost of plant and plantation for the duration of the project.
The afforestation model has been structured to work alongside existing agricultural practices, allowing smallhold farmers to integrate trees without disrupting their core livelihoods. As part of this project, farmers will receive support for seedling supply, plantation, and early-stage maintenance. A one-time planting incentive of Rs. 50 per tree, along with a share of revenue from the sale of carbon credits, will be provided directly to participating farmers, together with ongoing technical and field support in partnership with HPFD.
“This collaboration will strengthen afforestation efforts at the field level and support farmers in taking an active role in restoring and sustaining our local landscapes in Himachal Pradesh.” said Mr. Nishant Mandhota, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Hamirpur Circle.
The project is expected to generate significant long-term climate benefits through carbon sequestration, while also delivering multiple co-benefits, including improved soil health and reduced erosion, enhanced on-farm biodiversity and additional income opportunities for participating farming communities.
“Science-based initiatives such as this are the need of the hour to demonstrate how policy, community participation, and climate action can converge to drive sustainable and inclusive environmental progress.” said S. K. Singla, IFS, Secretary, Environment, Science & Technology, Government of Himachal Pradesh.
“Himachal’s agricultural landscapes are critical to India’s climate future. This project is our long-term commitment to farmers of the region, helping them build climate resilience while contributing to durable carbon removals,” added Kavin Kumar Kandasamy, Founder & CEO, ProClime.
