Delhi: Arjun Munda, the Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Tribal Affairs, inaugurated the Framework for Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) in the Agriculture Sector and the Accreditation Protocol of Agroforestry Nurseries in a ceremony held in Delhi today. The event, attended by key officials including Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja and Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), witnessed the virtual participation of numerous stakeholders from Central and State Ministries and various agricultural organizations.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Munda highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to promote Voluntary Carbon Market in the agricultural sector, aiming to encourage small and medium farmers to benefit from carbon credits. The introduction of farmers to the carbon market not only benefits them but also accelerates the adoption of environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Shri Munda emphasized the need for collaboration among concerned ministries, states, and organizations to effectively promote the carbon market for the welfare of farmers. He stressed the importance of working in collaboration with farmers, particularly those in southern areas, to ensure convenient and beneficial solutions for them. The Minister expressed the desire to ensure widespread participation in this initiative, considering global challenges like climate change.
Shri Munda acknowledged the significant contribution of the agriculture sector to the Indian economy and the livelihoods of millions of people. With 54.6% of the country’s workforce engaged in agriculture and allied activities and the sector’s 18.6% contribution to GDP, sustainable development in agriculture is a key focus. The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable development under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Regarding the Accreditation Protocol of Agroforestry Nurseries, Shri Munda emphasized its role in strengthening institutional arrangements for large-scale production and certification of planting material. This, in turn, will promote agroforestry across the country. He called on stakeholders to adopt the protocol, ensuring the availability of quality planting material to achieve the objectives outlined in the National Agroforestry Policy. Shri Munda also underscored the importance of proper utilization of natural resources and reiterated the government’s dedication, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi, to address agricultural sector challenges and climate change issues.