Shimla, Aug. 28 -- India's first state-supported Biochar programme will commence in Himachal, with a biochar plant to be established at Neri in Hamirpur district within six months. A tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in this regard was signed on Wednesday at Oak Over, Shimla, -official residence of the chief minister, in the presence of CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, between Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, the Himachal Pradesh forest department and ProClime Services Private Limited, Chennai. The CM said, "This project was a step towards environmental conservation through intelligent mitigating forest fires, while also enhancing livelihood opportunities and awareness among communities." The collaboration aims to produce biochar by utilising biomass such as pine needles, lantana, bamboo, and other tree-based material. Sukhu directed that the MoA be implemented within six months to benefit the people of Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Chamba, Bilaspur, and Solan districts, particularly areas with abundant pine forests. The initiative will not only create employment opportunities but also help the state to secure carbon credits. ProClime, through the forest department, will engage local communities in sustainable biomass collection and the participants will be paid Rs.2.50 per kg of biomass collected, with performance-based incentives for maintaining quality and quantity. The programme is expected to generate nearly 50,000 person-days of income annually through biomass collection, along with direct employment in plant operations. Skill development programmes will also be organised in partnership with the university on safe collection practices, biochar applications in agriculture, and climate change mitigation. Over its 10-year operational period, the project is expected to generate about 28,800 carbon credits, giving a boost to Himachal Pradesh's green initiatives. Under the tripartite agreement, a collaborative framework has been established to mitigate forest fires, eradicate invasive species such as lantana, and ensure the sustainable use of pine needles, bamboo and other biomass residues for the production of biochar through pyrolysis technology. The initiative will enhance soil health, promote carbon sequestration, generate and monetise carbon credits under international standards, and create local livelihood opportunities through biomass collection and skill development. ProClime Services Pvt. Ltd. will invest up to one million US dollars in phased implementation of the project. The forest department will coordinate and monitor sustainable biomass collection with community involvement, provide necessary permits and concessions, and ensure compliance with forest and environmental regulations....