The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based company Proclime to involve the farming community in afforestation under the Him Evergreen Project. The event was held in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The MoU was signed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Sood on behalf of the state government and Kavin Kumar Kandsamy, CEO of Proclime, on behalf of the company.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the significance of the afforestation and carbon credit project in strengthening climate resilience, improving farmer livelihoods, and supporting India’s long-term net-zero goals. He said the project is expected to benefit more than 50,000 farmers across the state by integrating tree plantations on farmlands and field bunds.
The Chief Minister directed the Forest Department to provide financial assistance and handholding support to farmers for planting saplings. He added that participating farmers would receive the benefits of carbon credits after five years, and 30 percent of the company’s profit would go directly to them. The project is planned to be implemented in three phases, aiming to increase green cover, generate employment, and provide sustainable livelihoods to the farming community.
Chief Minister Sukhu also emphasized the long-term climate benefits of the project, including carbon sequestration, improved soil health, reduced erosion, enhanced biodiversity, and additional income opportunities for farmers. He underlined that the initiative would contribute significantly to both environmental sustainability and rural development in Himachal Pradesh.
