When discussing Common Practice Standards, it’s essential to recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach may not work for every country. In India’s case, these standards need to reflect the country’s unique economic, cultural, and social landscape. With diverse industries, traditions, and regional practices, India requires an approach that balances global best practices with local realities. By ensuring Common Practice Standards are aligned with India’s specific needs and challenges, the country can better support its growth and development while maintaining its distinct identity on the global stage.
Why in News: International carbon finance platforms must revise their standards to better align with the realities of Indian agriculture.
About
Agroforestry, which integrates woody perennials like trees, shrubs, and palms with crops and livestock, holds significant promise for both environmental sustainability and economic development in India. The World Agroforestry Centre describes agroforestry as the study of interactions among agriculture, forestry, and livestock, emphasizing its importance across various scales. With plans to expand agroforestry from 28.4 million hectares to 53 million hectares by 2050, India stands to enhance its carbon sequestration capabilities significantly. Currently, agroforestry occupies about 8.65% of India’s land area, contributing to 19.3% of the country’s carbon stocks. Research suggests that with appropriate policies, agroforestry could add over 2.5 billion tons of CO2 equivalent as a carbon sink by 2030.
- Understanding Carbon Standards:
- In carbon finance, “common practice” refers to the baseline activities within a region. Standards like Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Gold Standard often disqualify common practices from earning carbon credits. These standards primarily reflect large-scale agricultural practices found in regions such as Latin America and Africa, which are vastly different from India’s predominantly smallholder farming landscape. In India, 86.1% of farmers manage less than two hectares, leading to fragmented and non-systematic agroforestry practices. This exclusion limits small and marginal farmers from participating in carbon finance projects, denying them additional income from carbon credits.
- The Need for India-Centric Approaches:
- To overcome these challenges, redefining “common practice” to reflect India’s agricultural landscape is essential. An India-centric approach would recognize that even minor adjustments in land management, such as systematic agroforestry techniques, can yield significant benefits. Revising common practice standards to accommodate smallholder models could unlock vast potential for carbon sequestration, allowing more farmers to engage in carbon finance initiatives. This shift would support India’s climate objectives while enhancing rural livelihoods.
- Benefits of Integrating Agroforestry with ARR Initiatives:
- Combining agroforestry with Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) projects can effectively address multiple challenges in India’s agricultural sector. These initiatives offer alternative livelihoods and income for farmers while tackling low productivity and environmental degradation. Carbon finance from ARR projects provides a structured approach to agroforestry, which many farmers cannot achieve due to financial constraints. By incorporating trees into their farming systems or restoring degraded land, farmers can access revenue from carbon credits. Additionally, these initiatives improve soil fertility, water retention, and erosion control, thereby boosting agricultural productivity.
- Supporting Small and Marginal Farmers:
- Research institutions like The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) have successfully implemented projects benefiting over 56,600 farmers across seven states. However, for these initiatives to scale, international carbon finance platforms must align their standards with Indian agricultural realities. As India seeks to expand its agroforestry sector and leverage carbon finance, standards must adapt to regional conditions. Inclusive guidelines will empower millions of small farmers to participate in ARR projects, fostering sustainable development and enhancing rural incomes.
- Agroforestry’s Role in India:
- Agroforestry is a traditional yet innovative land-use system in India, contributing significantly to livelihoods, nutrition, energy, and environmental sustainability. It currently fulfills nearly half of the country’s fuelwood needs and provides essential resources such as food and fodder.
- Historical Context and Policy Framework:
- Agroforestry was formally recognized in India’s agricultural and forestry research agendas when the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) initiated the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Agroforestry in 1983. Today, 37 AICRPs are reflecting various agro-climatic zones. The adoption of the National Agroforestry Policy (NAP) in 2014 marked a significant shift in perception, positioning agroforestry as a vital component of agriculture rather than forestry. Multiple government initiatives, such as the National Forest Policy (1988) and the Green India Mission (2010), emphasize agroforestry’s role. Notably, India aims to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by leveraging agroforestry to enhance tree cover.
- Diverse Agroforestry Systems:
- India employs various agroforestry systems across its 15 agro-climatic zones, including agrisilviculture, agri-horticulture, and homestead systems. These diverse practices enhance yields, improve financial stability for rural households, and support biodiversity, all while contributing to India’s climate objectives.
Conclusion
Agroforestry is a vital component of India’s agricultural landscape, offering economic, social, and environmental benefits. For carbon credit platforms like Verra and Gold Standard to fully realize the potential of agroforestry and ARR initiatives, recognizing the necessity for India-specific standards is vital. This alignment is essential for paving the way toward a greener, more sustainable future for Indian farmers. By facilitating participation in carbon finance, we can transform the agricultural landscape and generate substantial environmental benefits, ultimately benefiting both farmers and the nation.
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