Agartala, August 19, 2025: Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Monday said carbon credits hold the potential to be a “revolutionary step” in tackling climate change while opening up new avenues of income for farmers.

Speaking at a tree plantation programme organized by the Rotary Club of Aspiring Agartala at Swami Vivekananda College in Mohanpur, Nath stressed the need to plant more trees to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

“Modernization has contributed to rising global warming. Excess carbon dioxide in the air harms the environment, but in the soil, it improves agricultural productivity. Planting trees will help balance this,” he said.

The Minister noted that the demand for carbon credits in India is expected to rise by 30% in the coming years. “Farmers, along with the government, can sell carbon credits in domestic and international markets. Practices like organic farming, climate-smart agriculture, and afforestation can store carbon in the soil, benefiting both the environment and farmers’ livelihoods,” Nath added.

He explained that one carbon credit equals the absorption of one metric ton of carbon dioxide, which can be traded globally. “This initiative will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower environmental temperatures, and support farmers’ economic self-reliance,” he said.

Nath also praised the Rotary Club of Aspiring Agartala for their contributions to social work. The event was attended by college principal Haradhan Debnath, social worker Kartik Acharya, members of the Rotary Club, and students.