SLRD Field Intervention
Community Led Carbon Projects
Carbon projects that combine climate action with livelihoods, aromatic herbs, land restoration, biochar, regenerative agriculture and digital MRV.
SLRD is developing community led carbon projects that combine climate action with rural livelihoods, aromatic herbs cultivation, land restoration and community resilience. These projects are designed to ensure that carbon benefits create direct and visible value for farmers, FPOs, women, youth and local communities.
The carbon project model is supported by YesEarth Eco Consulting Private Limited for carbon project development, digital monitoring, reporting and verification, carbon accounting and impact documentation. SLRD contributes its field experience in community mobilisation, rural development, FPO engagement, sustainable agriculture and implementation.
Purpose of Community Led Carbon Projects
Community led carbon projects are designed to improve livelihoods, restore degraded land, improve soil health, generate carbon benefits, strengthen communities, create green jobs and improve transparency through digital monitoring.
Agroforestry and Bamboo Plantations
Agroforestry and bamboo plantations help sequester carbon, restore degraded land, improve biodiversity and create future livelihood assets.
Aromatic Herbs Cultivation
Aromatic herbs cultivation is integrated into community carbon projects as a livelihood activity that supports income diversification and land based restoration. It can be combined with agroforestry, soil health improvement and essential oil based value addition. Suitable herbs are selected based on local agro climatic conditions, water availability and market potential.
Biochar Based Carbon Removal
Biochar converts biomass into stable carbon that can be used as a soil amendment. This creates long term carbon storage and improves soil quality.
Composting and Biofertilisers
Composting and biofertiliser production help recycle organic waste into productive soil inputs. When combined with biochar, these inputs improve soil structure and fertility.
Essential Oil Based Rural Enterprises
Aromatic herbs cultivated under the project can be processed through essential oil distillation units. These enterprises create local value addition, employment and additional farmer income.
Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture practices improve soil health, reduce chemical dependency, increase biodiversity and make farms more climate resilient.
Watershed Development
Watershed interventions improve water availability, reduce erosion, recharge groundwater and support plantation survival.
Renewable Energy Integration
Solar energy and clean energy systems reduce emissions and support rural processing units, irrigation and storage infrastructure.
Digital MRV and Impact Monitoring
Digital monitoring systems are used to track plantations, aromatic herbs cultivation, biomass, biochar production, soil application, farmer participation, carbon data and livelihood impact.
Carbon Project Development Process
The process includes community mobilisation, baseline assessment, project design, digital mapping, implementation, monitoring and verification, and carbon revenue planning for community benefits, enterprise development, maintenance and expansion.
Purpose of Community Led Carbon Projects
| Purpose | Description |
|---|---|
| Improve livelihoods | Create income through plantations, aromatic herbs, biochar, compost, biomass value chains and green enterprises |
| Restore land | Improve degraded land through agroforestry, aromatic herbs, soil amendments and watershed measures |
| Improve soil health | Increase soil organic matter, water retention and fertility |
| Generate carbon benefits | Support carbon removal and carbon sequestration |
| Strengthen communities | Build local ownership through FPOs and community institutions |
| Create green jobs | Engage youth and women in climate linked work |
| Improve transparency | Use digital monitoring for credible reporting |
Proposed Carbon Project Locations
| State | Locations | Core Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Assam | Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Udalguri, Darrang | Bamboo, aromatic herbs, biochar, agroforestry, essential oils and community livelihoods |
| Meghalaya | Ri Bhoi and other suitable areas | Agroforestry, aromatic herbs, sustainable agriculture, soil carbon and renewable energy |
| Nagaland | Mokokchung, Tuli, Ungma | Biochar, bamboo, aromatic herbs, agroforestry and FPO enterprises |
| Madhya Pradesh | Panna, Ajaigarh, Jhinna | Degraded land restoration, aromatic herbs, biochar, tribal livelihoods and soil carbon |
| Rajasthan | Salumber and surrounding areas | Invasive biomass, aromatic herbs, biochar, watershed and dryland agroforestry |
Expected Outcomes of Community Led Carbon Projects
| Outcome Area | Expected Result |
|---|---|
| Carbon removal | Biochar based long term carbon storage |
| Carbon sequestration | Agroforestry and bamboo based carbon capture |
| Aromatic herbs income | Additional farmer income through herbs cultivation and essential oils |
| Soil health | Improved soil organic matter, water retention and fertility |
| Farmer income | Additional income through plantations, value addition and carbon linked benefits |
| FPO enterprises | New business models around herbs, biomass, biochar, compost and essential oils |
| Biodiversity | Restoration of native and useful vegetation |
| Water resilience | Improved watershed health and reduced erosion |
| Green jobs | Employment for youth, women and local workers |
| Transparency | Digital MRV based reporting and impact tracking |