Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access

From Fields to Credits: Farmer Engagement in India’s Carbon Trading System

Sajan Ambati, N Hema Sarat Chandra

Abstract


Carbon credit trading incentivizes carbon sequestration and emission reduction through market-based mechanisms. This review explores the evolution of carbon credit trading globally and its specific implications for India, analysing existing mechanisms, farmer participation, and projected income prospects. Opportunities for carbon trading in India lie in transitioning to climate-smart agriculture practices, such as conservation agriculture and livestock management, which not only mitigate greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance soil quality and agricultural productivity. The papers present three case studies highlighting the potential impact and opportunities of carbon trading. To realize the full potential of carbon trading in India’s agricultural sector, concerted efforts are needed from policymakers, extension services, and agricultural stakeholders. Authors opine that by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and soil management through carbon farming, India can mitigate the impacts of climate change, enhance agricultural resilience, and alleviate rural poverty


Keywords


Carbon Credit Trading, Climate-smart Agriculture, Conservation, Sustainable Development, Carbon Farming, Agroforestry, Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Full Text:

PDF

References


Aina Vagapova, Raisa Bankurova, Muslim Eskiev (2024). Addressing Environmental and Social Impacts of Carbon Farming Practices", E3S Web of Conferences.

Antle, J. M and Stoorvogel, J J (2008) Agricultural Carbon Sequestration, Poverty, and Sustainability. Environment and Development Economics 13: 327-352.

Bhan, S and Behera, U K (2014). Conservation agriculture in India - Problems, prospects and policy issues. International Soil and Water Conservation Research 2(4): 1-12.

Brooks N, Hawkins S and Graham A (2022). Agricultural carbon offset market development: Barriers & opportunities from the farmer perspective. University of Michigan, Ford School of Public Policy.Retrieved from https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/handle/2027.42/172168

Dipti, B (2014). Brave New World of Carbon Farming. Agrospectrum. https://agrospectrumindia.com/2022/04/18/brave-new-world-of-carbon-farming.html

Dumanski, J; Peiretti, R; Benetis, J; McGarry, D; and Pieri, C (2006). The paradigm of conservation tillage. (In) Proceedings of World Association of Soil and Water Conservation held at the World Association of Soil and Water Conservation, India, pp. 58-64.

Dutta, S; Patra, S; Goswami, R; Majumdar, K; Singh, V; Chakraborty, T; and Banerjee, H (2021). Carbon farming-a win-win for smallholder farmers and global industries. Indian Journal of Agronomy, vol. 66, 5th IAC Special issue, pp. S57-S68.

H. Nyanga, H (2012) Progress: Factors Influencing Adoption and Area under Conservation Agriculture: A Mixed Methods Approach, Sustainable Agriculture Research, 2012.

Jindal R, Swallow B and Kerr J (2012). Institutional innovations in African smallholder carbon projects. CIFOR-ICRAF Working Paper. Retrieved from https://www.cifor-icraf.org/knowledge/publication/28905

Jindal, R; Kerr. J and Nagar, S (2007). Voluntary Carbon Trading: Potential for Community Forestry Projects in India. Asia-Pacific Development Journal. Vol. 14( 2) PP:107-126.

Knowler, D and Bradshaw, B (2007). Farmers' adoption of conservation agriculture: A review and synthesis of recent research. Food Policy 32(1): 25-48.

Martin, K. A (2023). New carbon trading scheme opens up opportunity for farm sector. The Hindu. 2023, October 21. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/new-carbon-trading-scheme-opens-up-opportunity-for-agri-sector/article67446175.ece

Mills, J; Ingram, J; Dibari, C; Merante, P; Karaczun, Z; Molnar, A; and Ghaley, B B (2019). Barriers to and opportunities for the uptake of soil carbon management practices in European sustainable agricultural production. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems 44(9): 1,185-1,211.

Murphy, D (2006). Options for fostering the development dividend, in A. Cosbey, D. Murphy, J. Drexhage and J. Balint, Making Development Work in the CDM: Phase II of the Development Dividend Project (Winnipeg, International Institute for Sustainable Development, October).

Powlson, D.S; Stirling, C.M; Thierfelder, C; White, R.P; Jat, M.L (2016). Does conservation agriculture deliver climate change mitigation through soil carbon sequestration in tropical agro-ecosystems? Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 220, 164-174. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.agee.2016.01.005

Ramesh T & Kumar S (2021). Carbon farming: Prospects and challenges. Sustainability, 13(19), 11122. https://doi.org/10.3390/su131911122

Rolaniya, L.K; Saini, K.S; Singh, P; Sidhu, H.S; Kumar, M; Jat, H.S; Jat, M.L (2016). Precision water management in conservation agriculture based cereal systems: wheat yield and water productivity on a sandy loam soil in north-western IGP. 4th International Agronomy Congress. New Delhi, India. 3, pp. 254-255.

Roncoli, C; C. Jost, C; Perez, K; Moore, A; Ballo, S Cisse, and Ouattara, K (2007). Carbon sequestration from common property resources: Lessons from community-based sustainable pasture management in north-central Mali. Agricultural Systems 94 (1): 97-109

Sapkota, T.B; Majumdar, K; Jat, M.L; Kumar, A; Bishnoi, D.K; McDonald, A.J and Pampolino, M (2014). Precision nutrient management in conservation agriculture based wheat production of northwest India: Profitability, nutrient-use efficiency and environmental footprint. Field Crops Research 155: 233-244.

Sharma M; Kaushal R; Kaushik P; and Ramakrishna S (2021). Carbon Farming: Prospects and Challenges. Sustainability. 2021; 13(19):11122. https://doi.org/10.3390/su131911122.

Singh, S (2012). Marketing channels and their implications for smallholder farmers in India. The Transformation of Agri-Food Systems 303-334. Routledge.

Sirohi, S; Michaelowa, A; and Sirohi, S.K (2005). Mitigation options for enteric methane emissions from dairy animals: an evaluation for potential CDM projects in India. Mitig. Adapt. Strateg. Glob. Chang. 12, 259-274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11027-005- 9012-7

TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) (2024). Potential of carbon credits in India's agriculture sector: Empowering small farmers for a sustainable future. Policy Brief. Retrieved from https://www.teriin.org/research-paper/potential-carbon-credits-indias-agriculture-sector-empowering-small-farmers


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Informatics Studies:  ISSN: 2583-8994 (Online), 2320-530X (Print)