UP and IIT Roorkee launch large-scale carbon credit model to boost farmer income

Uttar Pradesh has partnered with IIT Roorkee to introduce a large-scale carbon credit model aimed at enabling farmers to earn additional income through climate-friendly agricultural practices. The initiative, beginning with a pilot project in the Saharanpur division, seeks to convert carbon stored in soil and trees into verified carbon credits that can be sold in carbon markets.

The programme encourages farmers to adopt practices such as minimal tillage, residue management, agroforestry, and the use of organic or bio-fertilisers. These methods help increase the soil’s capacity to retain carbon, and the amount sequestered will be measured to generate carbon credits. Farmers are expected to receive a substantial share of the revenue once the credits are sold, with payments transferred directly to their bank accounts.

Officials involved in the project say that the model aims to link sustainable agriculture with practical financial benefits. By improving soil health and water retention while reducing input costs, the approach is expected to support long-term agricultural resilience. The initiative is also intended to help farmers diversify their income sources without adding major operational burdens.

IIT Roorkee has been designated to oversee the technical processes, including monitoring, reporting, and verification. The institute will use digital tools to track carbon levels, while soil samples taken from participating farms will help establish baseline carbon content. Gains recorded over time will determine the number of carbon credits generated.

According to project leaders, the model is designed to offer a transparent and scientifically validated way for farmers to benefit from global carbon markets. It also aims to promote climate-friendly agricultural growth at scale, while helping industries looking to offset emissions access reliable carbon credits.The pilot project will focus on Saharanpur initially, with plans to extend the model to other regions as data and results become available. While the first payments to farmers may take a year or more due to verification cycles, the model is expected to create long-term financial opportunities alongside improvements in soil quality and environmental sustainability.