Kerala to form a Carbon Cell in the Agriculture Department to open carbon credits to farmers
7 October 2026
Agriculture Minister T. Siddique said on 7 October 2026 that a Carbon Cell will be formed under the Agriculture Department so that farmers who adopt climate-resilient methods can earn carbon credits.
The proposal was placed before a visiting World Bank mission, which accepted it, and the two sides will work on it in the coming months.
The mission is in Kerala to review progress on the KERA project, a World Bank-funded programme implemented by the Agriculture Department.
KERA will provide ₹2365 crore to Kerala's agriculture sector.
The Minister named coconut development and higher productivity, stronger agricultural marketing, empowering Farmer Producer Organisations and value chains for high-value crops as the priorities.
Smart Krishi Bhavans, full digitalisation of the Agriculture Department and comprehensive development of the Kathir portal were also stressed.
The World Bank mission remains in Kerala until 13 October and will visit KERA project sites.
In plain words
KERA Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization Project — A World Bank-funded project implemented by the Kerala Agriculture Department, bringing ₹2365 crore to the state's agriculture sector.
Carbon credit — A tradable unit representing greenhouse gas kept out of the atmosphere or stored, which the holder can sell for income.
Krishi Bhavan — The Agriculture Department's office at panchayat level, the point at which farmers deal with the department.
FPO Farmer Producer Organisation — A registered body of farmers that buys inputs and markets produce collectively.