IIT Roorkee, UP government launch farmer carbon credit programme; Saharanpur first to benefit

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, has launched a programme that allows farmers to earn income through scientifically verified carbon credits.

The programme will use Digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (DMRV) systems to measure increases in soil carbon and reductions in farm-level greenhouse gas emissions.

Farmers participating in the programme will adopt practices such as minimum tillage, cover cropping, residue management, agroforestry, and the use of bio-fertilisers. The resulting carbon credits will be verified according to international standards, and revenue from their sale will be transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts.

Also readIIT Bombay’s 2030 roadmap focuses on AI, MedTech, quantum research, expansion of industry, global ties

IIT Roorkee: Direct income for farmers

According to IIT Roorkee, the programme will initially cover the Saharanpur Division, a region identified for its potential to generate substantial carbon credits annually.

It also aims to connect farmers with carbon markets and global buyers, providing access to verified carbon credits for industry and supporting regenerative agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Officials from IIT Roorkee and the Uttar Pradesh government state that the programme is designed to provide measurable income to farmers, reduce farm input costs, and restore soil health. Large-scale implementation of sustainable practices under the programme is scheduled to begin soon.

KK Pant, director of IIT Roorkee, said, “This initiative gives farmers a meaningful stake in climate action by ensuring that their sustainable practices translate into real and measurable income. By combining scientific rigour with practical, ground-level implementation, IIT Roorkee aims to empower farming communities, enhance their resilience, and create new economic opportunities through agriculture-based carbon credits.”