Neri Biochar plant will generate jobs, promote sustainable mgmt of forest resources: Sukhu

A tripartite agreement signed last August brought together Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni, the state forest department and ProClime Services Private Limited of Chennai to establish two biochar production units in the Hamirpur district. The facilities are slated for the villages of Neri and Jahu, marking a focused effort to convert forest waste into a value‑added product.

The two plants will operate in the same district, leveraging the region’s forest cover to produce biochar, a charcoal‑like material used in agriculture and soil improvement. By processing excess biomass, the project aims to reduce forest degradation while creating a new stream of income for local communities.

Chief Minister Sukhu has said the initiative will generate employment opportunities and reinforce sustainable management of the state’s forest resources. The emphasis on job creation aligns with broader government efforts to support rural livelihoods through green industry.

Biochar production turns otherwise discarded tree limbs and undergrowth into a stable carbon form that can enhance soil fertility and sequester carbon. The venture therefore fits within the state’s larger agenda to balance development with environmental stewardship, especially as Himachal Pradesh seeks to promote eco‑friendly practices across its mountainous terrain.

The partnership reflects a collaborative approach, bringing academic expertise from the university, administrative oversight from the forest department and private sector execution from ProClime. This combination is intended to ensure technical feasibility, regulatory compliance and market linkage for the biochar output.

Sukhu’s remarks underscore a dual objective: immediate rural employment and longer‑term sustainability of forest ecosystems. The plants are expected to draw local workers, technicians and support staff, though exact numbers have not been disclosed. The project also signals a willingness to explore innovative uses for forest by‑products, potentially setting a precedent for similar initiatives elsewhere in the state.

Source: Hindustan Times