In a fresh boost for both environmental sustainability and farmer welfare, the Uttar Pradesh government has extended its Carbon Credit Scheme to the farmers of Prayagraj, offering them a new way to earn while helping combat climate change.
Under this initiative, farmers can generate tradable carbon credits simply by planting trees that absorb carbon dioxide turning their fields into green assets. The scheme, already in operation across 13 forest divisions of the state, has now been rolled out in Prayagraj and surrounding areas.
“We are promoting fast-growing species like poplar, melia dubia, semal, eucalyptus, and neem, which are ideal for absorbing carbon dioxide,” said Arvind Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Prayagraj. For every tonne of carbon dioxide absorbed, farmers earn a carbon credit, valued by the government at around ₹500 per credit every five years. “This initiative not only helps the environment but also boosts farmers’ incomes,” Kumar added.
To join, farmers must register with the forest department and pledge to plant at least 25 trees on their land. They also need to share details of their plots and outline measures to safeguard the saplings. In turn, the department supplies the required tree saplings free of cost.
Between 2024 and 2026, the state government expects to disburse a total of ₹202 crore in incentives to farmers under this scheme. The first two phases have already benefited thousands including 2,406 farmers in Gorakhpur, 4,500 in Bareilly, 2,512 in Lucknow, 3,754 in Meerut, 4,697 in Moradabad, and 7,271 in Saharanpur, receiving crores in financial support.
Officials believe the scheme will significantly improve farmer incomes while contributing to climate action, especially in regions vulnerable to environmental stress. With Prayagraj farmers now part of this green revolution, the state moves closer to its twin goals of ecological preservation and rural prosperity.