India's first indigenous biochar plant is being established at Neri in Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu describing the project as a dual engine for environmental conservation and local economic development. The facility is part of a broader push to turn forest biomass waste into a climate asset.

The Tripartite Agreement Behind the Project

A tripartite agreement was signed in August last year between Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, and climate firm ProClime. The pact covers the establishment of two biochar plants — one at Neri and another at Jahu, both in Hamirpur district.

How the Biochar Programme Works

Biomass — sourced from pine needles, lantana, bamboo, and other plant-based materials — is collected and purchased at ₹2.50 per kg, with performance-based incentives tied to quality maintenance. The collected biomass is then processed into biochar, a carbon-rich material that improves soil health and sequesters carbon. Over its 10-year operational period, the project is expected to generate approximately 28,800 carbon credits, providing a measurable boost to Himachal Pradesh's green economy.

Broader Climate-Smart Agriculture Push

The biochar initiative sits within the larger HIM Evergreen Integrated Climate-Smart Agriculture and Agro-forestry Programme, which aims to integrate trees into farming systems across 50,000 hectares of agricultural landscape in the state. According to officials, this programme will bring 13.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions under management, while also improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and increasing farm resilience. GIS, remote sensing, and digital data collection systems aligned with international carbon market standards will be deployed under the programme.

What the Chief Minister and Experts Said

Reviewing progress on the plants, Chief Minister Sukhu said the project would generate employment, promote sustainable management of forest resources, and help the state earn carbon credits — contributing to both environmental and economic goals. Former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Erik Solheim, lauded the state government's efforts, saying the organisation was committed to 'combining scientific rigour and practical implementation on the ground to fight the climate crisis.'

Why This Matters for Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has long grappled with the problem of invasive species such as lantana and the fire risk posed by accumulated pine needles on forest floors. Converting this biomass into biochar addresses both an ecological hazard and an economic opportunity for local communities. This is also reportedly the first such indigenous biochar plant in the country, giving the state a potential template for other forest-rich states to follow. With carbon markets gaining traction globally, the 28,800 carbon credits projected over a decade could translate into a meaningful revenue stream for the state.