New Delhi: Arjun Munda, the Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Tribal Affairs, inaugurated the Framework for Voluntary Carbon Market in the Agriculture Sector and the Accreditation Protocol of Agroforestry Nurseries in Delhi today. The event was attended by Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Secretary of DARE, and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Dr. Himanshu Pathak, alongside senior officials from Central and State Ministries and various organizations related to agriculture. Many stakeholders also participated in the program virtually.
In his speech, Munda stated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has formulated a framework to promote the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) in the agricultural sector to encourage small and medium farmers to benefit from carbon credits. He emphasized that introducing farmers to the carbon market will not only benefit them but also accelerate the adoption of environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
He requested full cooperation from the concerned ministries of the Centre and the States and other relevant organizations to promote the carbon market in the interest of farmers. He stressed the importance of collaborating with farmers in the southern areas and focusing the benefits on them. He highlighted the global challenges like global warming and urged caution in addressing them. Munda urged ICAR to actively contribute to this effort.
Munda highlighted the significant contribution of the agriculture sector to the economy and livelihoods of millions of people in the country. He emphasized the need for sustainable development and mentioned the steps taken by the Ministry under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Munda mentioned that the Accreditation Protocol of Agroforestry Nurseries will strengthen institutional arrangements for the production and certification of planting material to promote agroforestry.
He urged stakeholders to adopt it to achieve the objectives of the National Agroforestry Policy. He also emphasized the importance of proper utilization of natural resources. Munda expressed Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to the development of the agricultural sector and addressing climate change under his leadership.