Carbon farming initiative to boost soil health and farmer incomes in Bihar

Patna: Efforts to enhance soil carbon content and increase farmer incomes through carbon farming are gaining momentum in Bihar. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is conducting research to promote carbon farming, focusing on developing the capacity of soils to store carbon and generate carbon credits.

Dr. Anup Das, director of ICAR-Patna, explained that carbon farming involves capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil. This approach not only improves soil fertility but also opens avenues for farmers to earn income through carbon credit trading.

Under this initiative, methods such as incorporating crop residue into the soil, mulching, reducing plowing frequency, and promoting agroforestry are being emphasized. These practices enhance the soil’s organic carbon content, making it more fertile and productive.

Farmers participating in the program will receive carbon credit certificates based on the amount of carbon sequestered in their soil. Companies seeking to offset their carbon emissions can purchase these credits from farmers. One carbon credit corresponds to one ton of carbon sequestered. These transactions, driven by the global carbon market, are expected to provide an additional income stream for farmers while showcasing companies’ efforts to reduce emissions.

Currently, Bihar’s soils have a carbon content ranging between 0.6% and 0.8%, according to Dr. Das. Districts like Kaimur, Jamui, and Banka still maintain carbon levels at the higher end of this range. Increasing soil carbon content not only enhances crop productivity but also reduces the need for irrigation, benefiting both farmers and the environment.

With this initiative, ICAR aims to bring sustainable agricultural practices to the forefront, addressing both climate change and economic challenges faced by farmers.