In a landmark move towards climate action and sustainable development, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu launched India’s first State-supported Biochar programme, announcing the establishment of a biochar plant at Neri in Hamirpur district within six months. The initiative was formalized through a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed at Oak Over, Shimla, between Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (Nauni), the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, and ProClime Services Pvt. Ltd., Chennai.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister highlighted that the project aims to conserve the environment by reducing forest fires while creating livelihood opportunities and raising awareness among local communities. The programme will utilize forest biomass—such as pine needles, lantana, bamboo, and other tree-based materials—to produce biochar using pyrolysis technology.
The project will initially focus on districts with dense pine forests, including Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Chamba, Bilaspur, and Solan. As per the MoA, implementation must begin within six months. ProClime, in partnership with the Forest Department, will engage local communities in biomass collection. Participants will earn ₹2.50 per kg of biomass collected, along with performance-based incentives for maintaining quality and quantity standards.
The programme is expected to generate nearly 50,000 person-days of income annually through biomass collection and provide direct employment in plant operations. In collaboration with the university, skill development programmes will also be conducted to train participants in safe biomass collection, biochar applications in agriculture, and climate change mitigation strategies.
Over a ten-year operational period, the project is projected to generate approximately 28,800 carbon credits, supporting Himachal Pradesh’s green development goals. These credits will be monetized under international standards, further boosting the state’s climate finance potential.
The tripartite agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for mitigating forest fires, eradicating invasive species like lantana, and promoting sustainable use of biomass. The biochar produced will improve soil health and support carbon sequestration. ProClime Services Pvt. Ltd. will invest up to USD 1 million in the phased implementation of the project.
The Forest Department will oversee biomass collection, issue permits, and ensure environmental compliance, while the University will allocate approximately three acres of land at Neri for the plant and storage facilities. The university will also facilitate regulatory approvals and lead research on biochar’s agricultural applications.
Biochar, derived from both forest and farm-based biomass, has significant uses in agriculture, metallurgy, and other industries. ProClime, a company specializing in biochar production and carbon credit generation, will make the capital investment and operate the plant as part of its broader climate mitigation mission.
The MoA signing ceremony was attended by MLA Suresh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant, PCCF (HoFF) Sanjay Sood, Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajeshwar Thakur, and representatives of ProClime Services Pvt. Ltd.
