From Forest Fires To Carbon Credits: How Himachal’s New Biochar Plant Plans To Solve Two Problems At Once

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reviewed the progress of India's first indigenous biochar plant at Neri in Hamirpur district today, emphasising its potential to generate employment whilst promoting sustainable forest resource management.

A biochar plant is an industrial facility or system that processes organic biomass (such as agricultural waste, forestry residue, and manure) via pyrolysis. By heating these materials in a low-oxygen environment, the plant converts them into stable, carbon-rich biochar used for soil enhancement, waste management, and long-term carbon sequestration.

The facility in Himachal is expected to generate around 28,800 carbon credits over its operational period, positioning Himachal Pradesh at the forefront of the country's green economy transition.

The project operates under a tripartite agreement signed in August last year between Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, the Forest Department and ProClime Services Private Limited.

The plant utilises biomass such as pine needles, lantana, bamboo and other plant-based material to produce biochar, with biomass collected from local sources purchased at Rs 2.50 per kg along with performance-based incentives for maintaining quality, providing an additional income source for local residents.

The initiative forms part of the broader HIM Evergreen Integrated Climate-Smart Agriculture and Agro-forestry Programme, which aims to integrate trees into farming systems and create long-term economic opportunities for farming communities.

Spanning 50,000 hectares of agricultural landscapes across Himachal Pradesh, this will bring 13.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions under management, whilst improving soil health and enhancing biodiversity.

The biochar production process addresses multiple environmental challenges simultaneously. A collaborative framework has been established to mitigate forest fires, eradicate invasive species such as lantana and ensure the sustainable use of pine needles, bamboo and other biomass residues through pyrolysis technology.

Two biochar plants are proposed under the agreement, one each at Neri and Jahu in Hamirpur district, with the first facility targeting completion within the original six-month timeline.

The economic impact extends beyond carbon credit generation. The programme is expected to generate nearly 50,000 person-days of income annually through biomass collection, along with direct employment in plant operations.

ProClime Services, the Chennai-based private partner specialising in biochar production and carbon credit generation, intends to invest up to one million US dollars in phased implementation.

Skill development programmes will also be organised in partnership with the university on safe collection practices, biochar applications in agriculture and climate change mitigation, ensuring local communities can maximise benefits from this pioneering initiative.

Read the full story: https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/from-forest-fires-to-carbon-credits-how-himachals-new-biochar-plant-plans-to-solve-two-problems-at-once