FRAMEWORK FOR VOLUNTARY CARBON MARKET IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR AND ACCREDITATION PROTOCOL OF AGROFORESTRY NURSERIES

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Context: The Union government launches a framework to promote voluntary carbon markets in agriculture, aiming to benefit farmers and encourage environmentally friendly practices.

Details

• The Union government has launched a framework to promote voluntary carbon markets in the agriculture sector.
• The initiative, launched by the Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, aims to encourage small and medium farmers to participate in carbon markets and benefit from carbon credits.
• The framework is designed to create economic incentives for emission reduction in agriculture, promoting environmentally friendly farming practices.
• The initiative is part of efforts to introduce farmers to carbon markets, providing them with opportunities to earn carbon credits.

Request for Cooperation

• The Minister called for full cooperation from relevant ministries at the central and state levels, as well as other organizations, to promote carbon markets in the interest of farmers.
• He emphasized the need for caution in addressing global challenges like global warming and encouraged the participation of all stakeholders.

Agriculture Sector Statistics

• Around 54.6% of India’s workforce is engaged in agriculture and allied sectors, contributing 18.6% to the gross domestic product (GDP).
• The sown area in the country is approximately 139.3 million hectares.

Concerns from Previous Investigation

• An investigation in October 2023 highlighted concerns with the voluntary carbon market in India, including issues related to monitoring, overestimation of emission reductions, and lack of ownership of carbon credits.
• The initiative aims to address such concerns and promote transparency in the carbon market.

Accreditation Protocol of Agroforestry Nurseries

• In addition to the carbon market framework, the Accreditation Protocol of Agroforestry Nurseries was also launched to strengthen institutional arrangements for large-scale production and certification of planting material.
• The protocol is expected to promote agroforestry in the country, aligning with the goals of the National Agroforestry Policy.

Conclusion

• The Union government's voluntary carbon market framework and accreditation protocol for agroforestry nurseries represent a significant step towards promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing farmer incomes, and mitigating climate change in India. Addressing the challenges and maximizing the opportunities will be crucial for their successful implementation and long-term impact.

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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Given the dynamic nature of climate change and its impact on agriculture, how can adaptive management strategies be formulated to address uncertainties and evolving challenges, ensuring resilience and sustainability while simultaneously curbing carbon emissions in the agricultural sector?