India generates nearly 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually, creating both an environmental challenge and a major economic opportunity. The circular agriculture approach aims to convert this waste into valuable resources such as bioenergy, organic fertilisers, and bio-based products, with the potential to create a $2 trillion market and millions of jobs by 2050. While the Government has launched multiple initiatives for biomass utilisation, residue management, and infrastructure development, implementation gaps, weak supply chains, limited monitoring, and uneven regional performance remain key concerns. Strengthening outcome-based monitoring, market linkages, and integrated waste management is essential to transform agricultural waste into sustainable rural wealth.
Click to View MoreReducing methane emissions from paddy fields can generate additional income for farmers through carbon markets. By shifting from continuously flooded rice fields to practices such as Alternate Wetting and Drying, methane emissions can be significantly lowered without affecting yields while also saving water. The verified reductions are converted into carbon credits that companies purchase to offset their own emissions, enabling farmers to earn extra revenue. This approach links climate mitigation, water conservation and livelihood enhancement, though it also requires reliable measurement systems and fair benefit-sharing to ensure small farmers benefit equitably.
Click to View MoreREDD+ assigns economic value to forests to combat climate change, but flawed implementation in voluntary carbon markets has turned it into an ethical crisis enabling greenwashing. Reform must ensure genuine, verifiable, and equitable outcomes, as the credibility of forest-based climate action depends on transparent and accountable systems.
Click to View MoreThe Environment Ministry has established the National Designated Authority (NDA) to govern carbon trading, a requirement under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The new framework will incentivize industries to reduce emissions by allowing them to trade carbon credits, linking economic growth with environmental responsibility. This development demonstrates India's proactive stance on climate action.
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