From Field to Credit: The Role of Farmers in the Indian Carbon Economy

Abstract

As India faces dual challenges of climate risks and agricultural sustainability, Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs) become crucial for engaging farmers in climate solutions. However, the carbon economy raises serious concerns over equity, autonomy, and farmers’ roles in this nascent market. This paper investigates their roles by analyzing current carbon farming projects in India.
The findings reveal the market’s dichotomy, with small footprints alongside mega-projects with revolutionary targets. The research identified two farmer-led pathways: high-intensity land use transformation and low-intensity soil health management. The study concludes that agricultural carbon markets should be climate-resilient and equitable, with policy reframed to integrate carbon revenue with co-benefits, advancing rural empowerment.