Big climate gains

December 19, 2025

A new nine-year study by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) scientists shows that agroforestry on small farms can be a powerful tool for climate mitigation while strengthening rural livelihoods in India. The research, conducted in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha, found that one-acre agroforestry plots integrating trees with crops can sequester significant amounts of carbon and boost income for farming families.

In the study, researchers from ICAR’s Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation in Dehradun and Koraput worked with 15 farmers across three villages — Maligaon, Durukhal and Dandabad — to establish one-acre agroforestry models on their land. Over nine years, these farms captured up to 154.5 megagrams (Mg) of carbon dioxide equivalent, while continuing to produce food and income.

The project highlighted how careful selection of tree species and planting design influenced both carbon storage and economic returns. Farmers planted 12 tree species suited to local climate and soil conditions. Fruit and multipurpose trees like mango and cashew contributed heavily to above-ground biomass, while other species enhanced long-term carbon storage. Farms on lower slopes, with better moisture and nutrients, recorded the highest carbon stocks. Importantly, the incorporation of trees did not reduce productivity of staple food crops. Farmers continued to harvest vegetables, millets, paddy and pulses while earning additional income from fruit trees. Annual earnings from these integrated farms ranged from about Rs 110,000 to Rs 113,000, diversifying farmers’ income streams and reducing reliance on single crops.

Beyond direct farm income, the study assessed potential carbon credit revenue, estimating that sequestering 154.5 Mg of CO2 per acre could generate roughly Rs 256,437 over nine years, based on current voluntary market rates. Researchers noted that actual carbon credit earnings would depend on verification, market demand and official certification processes.
These findings align with broader research on agroforestry’s climate benefits. Agroforestry systems can help meet national and global climate goals by increasing carbon sequestration, improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional agriculture.