Farm scientists from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry study carbon credit models at Tiruppur green sites
A delegation of 35 agricultural scientists representing Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Wednesday studied carbon credit models at the 'green sites' developed under the Vanathukkul Tiruppur agroforestry initiative by VETRY environmental organisation. The visit was part of a two-day capacity-building programme on Carbon Farming, aimed at equipping experts with knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices that can mitigate climate change.
The programme was organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ICAR-ATARI) Zone X, Hyderabad; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) Directorate of Extension Education; and the university's Forest College and Research Institute (FC&RI), Mettupalayam. The scientists, drawn from domains such as soil science, agronomy, and horticulture, engaged in brainstorming sessions on analysing soil-moisture retention, crop combinations, biomass generation, and pest resilience.
The main interaction was held at Glenmorgan Farm in Chengapalli, where farm owners Kumarasamy and Soundarya Vadivel showcased their agroforestry interventions. The visitors were shown a teak farm developed with precision farming techniques designed by FC&RI to achieve maximum volume growth. Dedicated trial plots nurtured by the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB) allowed the scientists to evaluate the field adaptation of Punnai (Calophyllum inophyllum) and newly developed elite Neem varieties.
The scientists also learned about VETRY's broader project to plant 25 lakh trees over 11 years, involving local communities in rural parts of Tiruppur district. The initiative promises economic uplift and financial security by introducing farmers to silvopasture models, which combine timber growth with livestock grazing. This approach not only enhances land productivity but also provides multiple income streams for farmers.
A key focus of the visit was to explore practical frameworks for integrating scattered agroforestry plots into international carbon credit markets. Carbon credits are permits that allow the holder to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide, and they can be traded. By sequestering carbon in trees and soil, agroforestry projects can generate credits that farmers can sell, creating a financial incentive for sustainable land management.
The scientists appreciated the high survival rates of the planted trees and the robust data tracking systems in place. These factors are crucial for verifying carbon sequestration and ensuring compliance with international standards. The visit highlighted how local initiatives can align with global climate goals while benefiting farming communities.
Experts noted that carbon farming has the potential to transform agriculture in the region. By adopting agroforestry and other regenerative practices, farmers can improve soil health, conserve water, and enhance biodiversity while earning additional income through carbon credits. The training programme is expected to help KVK scientists guide farmers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry toward these practices.
The delegation's interaction at Tiruppur serves as a model for how research institutions, NGOs, and farmers can collaborate to address climate change. The insights gained will be disseminated through KVKs to promote sustainable agriculture across the southern states.
