Trees for Farmers®, Carbon neutrality, Uttar Pradesh, India

About the project:

The 'Trees for Farmers®: Carbon Neutrality' project is an agroforestry-based initiative implemented in the Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh. It falls under the Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) category and adheres to the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), a globally recognized certification system for carbon credits, managed by Verra, an international carbon registry. This project aims to offset carbon emissions while enhancing local livelihoods through sustainable land use. The project is expected to generate 31,607 metric tons of carbon credits in a period of 20 years.

Carbon credit potential:

(These estimates will be monitored using geospatial analysis, including biomass and carbon stock calculations, conducted every six months throughout the specified time period.)

Why trees?

Prayagraj district, historically revered as the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, has long been recognized for its fertile alluvial plains and agricultural significance in Uttar Pradesh. ⁽¹⁾ The district forms a critical part of the Lower Doab region, where farming remains the primary livelihood for a large rural population. However, rapid population growth, urban expansion, and changing climatic patterns have placed increasing pressure on land, water, and soil resources.

Over recent years, soil degradation, declining groundwater levels, irregular rainfall, and rising temperatures have begun to affect agricultural productivity in the district. Seasonal rivers and traditional water bodies that once supported farming systems are increasingly stressed, while monocropping practices and limited tree cover on farmlands have reduced soil organic matter and resilience to climate variability. These challenges are further amplified by climate change, making small and marginal farmers more vulnerable to crop failures and income instability.

Despite government-led plantation drives and greening initiatives, there remains a strong need for long-term, farmer-centric landscape restoration solutions that integrate trees directly into agricultural systems rather than relying solely on short-term plantations. Agroforestry offers a sustainable pathway to address these challenges by improving soil fertility, enhancing moisture retention, reducing erosion, supporting biodiversity, and diversifying farmer incomes.

The “Trees for Farmers®; Carbon Neutrality” project in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is designed as a large-scale agroforestry intervention to address these environmental and socio-economic concerns. Registered under Verra’s VM0047 standard, the project aims to sequester atmospheric carbon while strengthening climate resilience at the farm level. Through the plantation of fruit and native tree species such as mango, neem, and jackfruit across rural farmlands, the initiative will enhance ecosystem services, provide long-term livelihood benefits to farmers, and contribute to India’s climate mitigation goals.

The project seamlessly integrates technology with conservation efforts throughout its implementation and monitoring stages. Geospatial analysis is employed for the selection of suitable sites, defining eligible areas, and assessing weather conditions, terrain types, and drought risks before selection. After plantation, the project is monitored using various GIS tools, including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Above-Ground Biomass (AGB) assessments, and carbon stock calculations, all conducted quarterly to ensure precise and ongoing evaluation and reporting of the project's impact.

By sequestering significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), this project will generate carbon credits, which can be traded in global carbon markets or used to offset emissions.^[10] These credits provide financial returns that can be reinvested in environmental and social initiatives, making it a self-sustaining model.

The project’s key objectives focus on:

1. Ecological Restoration: Enhancing biodiversity, restoring soil health, and mitigating land degradation through sustainable tree planting practices.
2. Socio-Economic Empowerment: Empowering tribal women by establishing enterprises that manage tree and manure banks and promoting intercropping practices that improve agricultural productivity.
3. Sustainable Future: Training farmers and setting up tree and manure banks to ensure long-term environmental and economic growth.

This project not only aligns with global efforts toward carbon neutrality but also provides lasting benefits to local communities, making it a powerful tool in the fight against climate change while fostering sustainable development.^[5]

Tree Species:

Our tree plantation initiatives in Prayagraj are designed to empower local farmers by providing sustainable resources that promote both economic independence and environmental stewardship. The planting of neem (Azadirachta indica) reduces the need for chemical pesticides, fostering healthier organic farming practices and improving crop yields. Additionally, fruit-bearing species such as mango (Mangifera indica) and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) enhance food security while offering supplementary income opportunities, thereby supporting farmer self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the inclusion of species like Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) and Teak (Tectona grandis) will provide a sustainable source of firewood from their twigs and branches, addressing local fuel needs without compromising forest cover. This holistic approach not only strengthens rural livelihoods but also contributes to long-term environmental and socio-economic resilience.

Social Benefits:

• The project empowers local farmers and tribal women by creating employment opportunities through tree planting and management.
• Enterprises managed by women, such as tree and manure banks, promote financial independence and gender equality.
• Intercropping practices improve agricultural productivity and enhance food security, benefiting the wider community.

Economic Benefits:

• Farmers gain additional income from the sale of fruit-bearing species like mango and jackfruit, boosting local economies.
• Part of the carbon credits generated from the project will provide a sustainable revenue stream, with potential reinvestment in community initiatives.
• The availability of sustainable firewood from species like shisham and teak reduces dependence on external resources.

Environmental Benefits:

• Tree planting helps restore lost tree cover, improve soil health, and increase water retention, combating land degradation.
• The project enhances biodiversity by attracting pollinators, supporting local wildlife, and creating balanced ecosystems.
• By sequestering CO₂, the project contributes to global climate goals, promoting carbon neutrality and reducing emissions.

Adoption summary

Reference:

1. https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/uttar-pradesh/prayagraj/triveni-sangam
2. https://www.globalforestwatch.org/
3. United Nations Climate Actions
4. Press Information Bureau 
5. Sustainable Development Goal
6. Arbor Day Foundation
7. Verra VM0047 Methodology
8. Understanding Carbon Credits
9. Agro-Forestry FAO 
10. The Carbon Offset Market