Project Title

Carbon Crediting in the Rice–Wheat System through Crop Residue Management: A Farmer Participatory Approach

Project Overview

This project is a pilot initiative undertaken by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, under the Carbon Cell–NRM Division, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. The project aims to demonstrate climate-smart crop residue management practices in the rice–wheat system to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enhance soil carbon sequestration, and support farmers through participation in voluntary carbon markets (VCM).

Objectives of the Project

The specific objectives of the project are:

1. To provide straw management strategies (in-situ or ex-situ) other than burning and to develop a model farm for measuring GHG emissions reduction (ER) and net C storage;
2. To maximize financial benefits through the generation of C credits under the VCM framework by developing the project under the C cycle, improving soil quality, and crop productivity under the rice–wheat cropping system; and,
3. To establish consistent, transparent, and robust criteria for generating C credits by combining direct measurement of C build-up and model estimates.

Project Description

The project focuses on implementing sustainable crop residue management practices in two districts of Punjab (Ludhiana & Patiala) under the rice–wheat cropping system. The approach integrates farmer participation, on-field demonstrations, monitoring of residue management practices, and assessment of emission reductions and soil C build-up. Demonstration sites are established on pilot-scale agricultural fields, where farmers are encouraged to adopt residue management practices that avoid burning and promote soil incorporation or alternative utilization of residues.

Stakeholders Benefits

• The project aims to strengthen international cooperation on climate action in line with the Paris Agreement (2015), under which India has voluntarily pledged to sequester 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in agriculture by 2030. Offsetting emissions from the dominant rice–wheat cropping system can contribute to the national VCM and support India’s international commitments on climate change mitigation in agriculture.
• Demonstration and awareness generation among farmers and stakeholders regarding the financial, soil health, and environmental benefits of avoiding crop residue burning.

• Development of a scientific basis for accounting and verification of C credits for trading under the VCM.
• Enhanced climate change mitigation through soil C sequestration and GHG emission reduction.
• Provision of estimates regarding expected monetary benefits to farmers through C trading markets by adopting sustainable residue management practices in the rice–wheat system.