📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare
Agriculture
India Launches First Soil Carbon Payment Scheme for Farmers
✍️ TRIPURA STAR NEWS
🗓 18 Sep 2026, 07:46 AM
👁 14
The government has introduced a pioneering soil carbon payment program, placing farmers at the heart of regenerative agriculture across India.
New Delhi – The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has rolled out India's inaugural soil carbon payment scheme, aiming to incentivise sustainable farming practices that enhance carbon sequestration in soils. Under the programme, eligible farmers will receive financial rewards for adopting regenerative techniques such as cover cropping, reduced tillage and organic amendments.
The scheme is designed to align with India's climate commitments by turning agricultural lands into carbon sinks while improving soil health and productivity. Pilot projects are being launched in several states, with initial focus on regions that have high potential for carbon storage.
Stakeholders say the payments could provide a steady income stream for smallholders, encouraging wider adoption of climate‑smart agriculture. The government plans to expand the programme nationwide after evaluating early results.
Experts caution that robust monitoring and verification systems will be essential to ensure that reported carbon gains are real and measurable. Nevertheless, the initiative marks a significant policy shift, positioning farmers as key partners in the country's net‑zero agenda.
The scheme is designed to align with India's climate commitments by turning agricultural lands into carbon sinks while improving soil health and productivity. Pilot projects are being launched in several states, with initial focus on regions that have high potential for carbon storage.
Stakeholders say the payments could provide a steady income stream for smallholders, encouraging wider adoption of climate‑smart agriculture. The government plans to expand the programme nationwide after evaluating early results.
Experts caution that robust monitoring and verification systems will be essential to ensure that reported carbon gains are real and measurable. Nevertheless, the initiative marks a significant policy shift, positioning farmers as key partners in the country's net‑zero agenda.