Prayagraj, June 19 -- In a major push for sustainable farming and climate action, farmers in Prayagraj have been included in the third phase of Uttar Pradesh's Carbon Credit Scheme.

The initiative allows farmers to earn additional income by planting trees that absorb carbon dioxide, generating tradable carbon credits, district officials said.

Already operational across 13 forest divisions in the state, the scheme has now been extended to the Prayagraj forest division and others.

"It encourages the plantation of fast-growing species such as poplar, melia dubia, semal, eucalyptus, and neem. For every tonne of carbon dioxide captured by the trees, one carbon credit is awarded. These credits are purchased by the government every five years...