INCENTIVIZING SUSTAINABLE MAIZE
FARMING THROUGH CARBON FINANCE
Document Prepared by
Value Network Ventures Advisory Services Pte. Ltd.
Project Title
Version
Incentivizing Sustainable Maize Farming through Carbon Finance
1.0
Date of Issue
23-03-2023
Prepared By
Value Network Ventures Advisory Services Pte Ltd
Contact
10 Anson Road, #29-07 International Plaza, Singapore-079903
Email ID: sandeep@vnvadvisory.net / manjari@vnvadvisory.net
Phone: + 91 80 42429927
CONTENTS
1
PROJECT DETAILS................................................................................................. 4
1.1
Summary Description of the Project ................................................................................ 4
1.2
Sectoral Scope and Project Type .................................................................................... 5
1.3
Project Eligibility .................................................................................................................. 5
1.4
Project Design ..................................................................................................................... 9
1.5
Project Proponent ............................................................................................................ 11
1.6
Other Entities Involved in the Project ............................................................................. 11
1.7
Ownership.......................................................................................................................... 12
1.8
Project Start Date ............................................................................................................. 12
1.9
Project Crediting Period .................................................................................................. 12
1.10
Project Scale and Estimated GHG Emission Reductions or Removals ...................... 12
1.11
Description of the Project Activity .................................................................................. 14
1.12
Project Location ............................................................................................................... 17
1.13
Conditions Prior to Project Initiation ............................................................................... 18
1.14
Compliance with Laws, Statutes and Other Regulatory Frameworks ....................... 26
1.15
Participation under Other GHG Programs .................................................................... 30
1.16
Other Forms of Credit ....................................................................................................... 30
1.17
Sustainable Development Contributions ...................................................................... 31
1.18
Additional Information Relevant to the Project ........................................................... 34
2
SAFEGUARDS ..................................................................................................... 34
2.1
No Net Harm ..................................................................................................................... 35
2.2
Local Stakeholder Consultation ..................................................................................... 35
2.3
Environmental Impact ..................................................................................................... 38
2.4
Public Comments ............................................................................................................. 38
2.5
AFOLU-Specific Safeguards ............................................................................................ 38
3
APPLICATION OF METHODOLOGY................................................................... 39
3.1
Title and Reference of Methodology ............................................................................ 39
3.2
Applicability of Methodology ......................................................................................... 39
3.3
Project Boundary .............................................................................................................. 43
3.4
Baseline Scenario ............................................................................................................. 43
3.5
Additionality ...................................................................................................................... 43
3.6
Methodology Deviations ................................................................................................. 44
4
QUANTIFICATION OF GHG EMISSION REDUCTIONS AND REMOVALS .......... 44
4.1
Baseline Emissions ............................................................................................................. 44
4.2
Project Emissions ............................................................................................................... 44
4.3
Leakage............................................................................................................................. 44
4.4
Net GHG Emission Reductions and Removals .............................................................. 44
5
MONITORING .................................................................................................... 44
5.1
Data and Parameters Available at Validation ............................................................ 44
5.2
Data and Parameters Monitored ................................................................................... 44
5.3
Monitoring Plan ................................................................................................................. 44
APPENDIX ..................................................................................................................... 45
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
1 PROJECT DETAILS
1.1
Summary Description of the Project
The project "Incentivizing Sustainable Maize Farming through Carbon Finance" is located in
Belagavi (formerly known as Belgaum) district in Karnataka, India, aims to promote sustainable
agriculture practices among maize farmers and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions through the
use of carbon finance mechanisms.
The project will work with maize farmers in Belagavi to adopt sustainable farming practices,
including the reduction of fertilizers and pesticides, crop mixing, and improving soil health. These
practices will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the quality of soil, leading to
increased crop yields and enhanced livelihoods for farmers.
Sustainable practices in agriculture refer to methods of farming that aim to reduce the negative
impact on the environment, conserve natural resources, and promote social and economic wellbeing. In the context of the "Incentivizing Sustainable Maize Farming through Carbon Finance"
project in Belagavi, the following sustainable practices will be implemented:
Reduction of fertilizers and pesticides: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides can
lead to soil degradation and pollution of water resources. By reducing the use of these chemicals,
farmers can improve the quality of soil and water resources while also reducing greenhouse gas
emissions associated with their production.
Mixed cropping can help improve soil health, reduce pest and disease pressure, and improve
crop yields. This practice also helps to reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides.
By adding organic amendments to the soil, farmers can improve soil structure, increase waterholding capacity, and enhance nutrient cycling. This can result in increased crop yields and
reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers. Additionally, the use of organic amendments can help
sequester carbon in the soil, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved soil
health.
Agroforestry is the practice involving planting trees on farmland, which can help improve soil
health, reduce soil erosion, and provide additional income streams for farmers through the sale
of timber or fruit.
The activities implemented in the "Incentivizing Sustainable Maize Farming through Carbon
Finance" project in Belagavi can help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in several ways:
Overall, the current unsustainable way of maize farming relies heavily on synthetic inputs, leading
to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and negative impacts on human health and
well-being. By transitioning to more sustainable and climate-friendly farming practices, such as
those promoted in the "Incentivizing Sustainable Maize Farming through Carbon Finance" project,
farmers can reduce their negative impact on the environment and improve their long-term
economic and social well-being.
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
The project will provide training and capacity building to farmers on sustainable agriculture
practices and will help them to track their emissions. Farmers who successfully reduce their
emissions will earn carbon credits that can be sold in carbon markets, generating additional
income for their sustainable farming practices.
The project will be implemented in partnership with local FPOs and will involve close collaboration
with maize farmers in Belagavi. The project's success will be measured through the number of
farmers adopting sustainable practices, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions reduced, and
the number of carbon credits generated.
1.2
Sectoral Scope and Project Type
The project is developed under VCS sectoral scope 14 (Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use)
and falls under the category of Agricultural Land Management (ALM). Eligible ALM activities are
those that reduce net GHG emissions on cropland and grassland by increasing carbon stocks in
soils and/or decreasing CO2, N2O and/or CH4 emissions from soils.
In the ALM category, eligible ALM activities are those that reduce net GHG emissions on croplands
and grasslands by increasing carbon stocks in soils and woody biomass and/or decreasing CO2,
N2O and/or CH4 emissions from soils. The project falls into the Improved Cropland Management
(ICM) activity category. The ICM category includes practices that demonstrate to reduce net GHG
emissions of cropland systems by increasing soil carbon stocks, reducing soil N2O emissions,
and/or reducing CH4 emissions. This project focuses on practices that increase soil carbon
stocks by increasing residue inputs to soils and/or reducing usage of synthetic chemical fertilizer
reducing nitrous oxide emissions.
The project is designed as a grouped project with initial project activity instances of 10,000 ha.
1.3
Project Eligibility
The Project is eligible under the scope of VCS Programs as described below:
Project Eligibility
Justification
VCS Standard v.4.4
Appendix 1,ALM
A1.2
Eligible ALM activities are those that
reduce net GHG emissions on croplands
and grasslands by increasing carbon
stocks in soils and woody biomass and/or
decreasing CO2, N2O and/or CH4
emissions from soils.
The project activities under VCS ALM will
be aimed at: (i) Reducing emission from
decreasing chemical-based nitrogen
fertilizers, reducing fossil fuel emissions
and also decrease harvest residue
burning. (ii) In addition, the ALM project
activity is integrating organic composts,
farmyard manure and after-harvest crop
residues into the soil thereby increasing
soil organic carbon content.
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
VCS Standard v.4.4
Appendix 1,ALM
A1.2
The project area shall not be cleared of
native ecosystems within the 10-year
period prior to the project start date.
The project activity is taking place on the
private plots of farmers which has been
cropland for generations. The project
activity has not cleared any native
ecosystem for at least 10 years.
VCS Standard v.4.4
3.2 AFOLU-Specific Matters
General 3.2.1
There are currently six AFOLU project
categories eligible under the VCS Program,
as defined in Appendix 1 Eligible AFOLU
Project Categories below: afforestation,
reforestation and revegetation (ARR),
agricultural land management (ALM),
improved forest management (IFM),
reduced emissions from deforestation and
degradation (REDD), avoided conversion of
grasslands and shrublands (ACoGS), and
wetland restoration and conservation
(WRC).
The project is an ALM project that will
involve the implementation of several
measures and technologies to promote
sustainable farming practices,
VCS Standard v.4.4
3.2 AFOLU-Specific Matters
General 3.2.4
Evidence shall be provided in the project
description that any ARR, ALM, WRC or
ACoGS project areas were not cleared of
native ecosystems to create GHG credits
(e.g., evidence indicating that clearing
occurred due to natural disasters such as
hurricanes or floods). Such proof is not
required where such clearing or conversion
took place at least 10 years prior to the
proposed project start date. The onus is
upon the project proponent to demonstrate
this, failing which the project shall not be
eligible.
The project area comprises of discrete
parcels of land. These plots are privately
held agricultural lands of smallholder
farmers and has been continuously
cultivated for more than 10 years.
VCS Standard v.4.4
3.2 AFOLU-Specific Matters
General 3.2.5
The project area comprises of discrete
parcels of land. These plots are privately
held agricultural lands of smallholder
farmers and has been continuously
At the time of validation, the PP will
demonstrate through use of GIS analysis
that the project parcels selected for the
project meet the definition of no
conversion 10 years before the project
start date and at project start date.
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
Activities that drain native ecosystems or
degrade hydrological functions to generate
GHG credits are not eligible under the VCS
Program. Evidence shall be provided in the
project description that any AFOLU project
area was not drained or converted to
create GHG credits. Such proof is not
required where such draining or conversion
took place prior to 1 January 2008. The
onus is upon the project proponent to
demonstrate this, failing which the project
shall not be eligible.
cultivated for more than 10 years. No plot
was drained or converted to negatively
affect the hydrological functions of native
ecosystems.
VCS Standard v.4.4
3.2 AFOLU-Specific Matters
General 3.2.9
Where ARR, ALM, IFM or REDD project
activities occur on wetlands, the project
shall adhere to both the respective project
category requirements and the WRC
requirements, unless the expected
emissions from the soil organic carbon
pool or change in the soil organic carbon
pool in the project scenario is deemed
below de minimis or can be conservatively
excluded as set out in the VCS Program
document VCS Methodology Requirements,
in which case the project shall not be
subject to the WRC requirements.
The project area comprises of discrete
parcels of agricultural lands. The project
area does not occur on wetlands hence
project shall not be subject to the WRC
requirements.
VCS Standard v.4.4
3.9 Project Crediting Period
AFOLU Projects 3.9.2
For ALM projects focusing exclusively on
reducing N2O, CH4 and/or fossil-derived
CO2 emissions, the project crediting period
shall be either seven years, twice
renewable for a total of 21 years, or ten
years fixed.
The project will not focus exclusively on
reducing N2O, CH4 and/or fossil-derived
CO2 emissions, and will have a crediting
period of a minimum of 20 years.
The project crediting period will include at
least one complete harvest/cutting cycle
for trees planted.
VCS Standard v.4.4
3.9 Project Crediting Period
AFOLU Projects 3.9.3
A credible and robust plan for managing
and implementing the project over the
project crediting period will be handed over
at validation.
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
For all AFOLU projects other than such ALM
projects described above, the project
crediting period shall be a minimum of 20
years up to a maximum of 100 years,
which may be renewed at most four times
with a total project crediting period not to
exceed 100 years.
VCS Standard v.4.4
3.9 Project Crediting Period
AFOLU Projects 3.9.4
AFOLU projects shall have a credible and
robust plan for managing and
implementing the project over the project
crediting period.
VCS Standard v.4.4
3.9 Project Crediting Period
AFOLU Projects 3.9.5
For ARR or IFM extension of rotation age or
low-productive to high-productive projects
with harvesting, the length of the project
crediting period shall be set to include at
least one complete harvest/cutting cycle.
In the case of selectively cut IFM projects,
where trees are individually selected for
harvest, the harvest/cutting cycle is the
allowable re-entry period into the harvest
area as determined by legal and regulatory
requirements, and/or common practice.
VCS Standard v.4.4
3.9 Project Crediting Period
AFOLU Projects 3.9.6
The earliest project crediting period start
date for AFOLU projects shall be 1 January
2002
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
1.4
Project Design
☐ The project includes a single location or installation only
☐ The project includes multiple locations or project activity instances, but is not being
developed as a grouped project
☒ The project is a grouped project
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criterion
Required condition
Supporting evidence
Project Location
The project is implemented in
discrete parcels of land. The
lands selected for the project
are privately held agricultural
lands of smallholder farmers.
Project parcels should fall
within the district of Belagavi,
Karnataka, India.
A Project database will be
maintained with details of all
farmers and plots with location.
The project activity instances
included in the project will meet
the requirements of the small
scale CDM methodology AMS III
AU V 3.0.
All participating farmers are
surveyed prior to inclusion at
the time of joining the project to
assess compliance with the
methodology requirements. In
addition, farmer and plot data is
captured and recorded in the
farmer dashboard/database
that the PP maintains This
includes data on farmers,
farmer groups, plots, ownership,
and eligibility as per the
methodology applicability
conditions. Only eligible plots,
will be included in the project
boundary and for project
accounting
Meet the applicability
conditions set out in the
methodology applied to
the project.
Only dryland agricultural plots
meeting all applicability
conditions of the methodology
will be included.
Apply the technologies
or measures in the
The project activities consist of
changes in agricultural
All plots included in the project
will be geofenced and the land
ownership document will be
used to support the location,
size and ownership of each plot.
The project is monitored for
compliance through farmer
9
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
same manner as
specified in the project
description.
practices as detailed in Section
1.11. All new activity instances
will be included only if they
comply with the sustainable
PoP provided by the partner
logbooks and is recorded in the
farmer database. The data
collected is as per the
requirements of the
methodology.
Are subject to the
baseline scenario
determined in the
project description for
the specified project
activity and geographic
area.
The baseline scenario is the
continuation of the current
practice which will be the
cultivation of maize in
unsustainable fashion and will
lead to further soil degradation.
All plots included in this project
will be subject to the same
baseline conditions.
The baseline scenario will be
confirmed by the ground staff
who will be onboarding the
farmers in the project.
A baseline survey will be
undertaken to determine the
emissions for the new instance
to come in as a new stratum.
Membership to the FPO
Farmers connecting to the
project will be member of the
FPO that will liaise with IFHD
Ledger of membership in the
FPO
Have characteristics
with respect to
additionality that are
consistent with the
initial instances for the
specified project activity
and geographic area.
For example, the new
project activity
instances have
financial, technical
and/or other
parameters (such as
the size/scale of the
instances) consistent
with the initial
instances, or face the
same investment,
technological and/or
other barriers as the
initial instances.
The additionality is the same for
all the project activity instances
included under the project. All
project activity instances are
expected to face the same
investment barriers,
technological barriers and/or
other barriers as the initial
instances.
All participating farmers are
surveyed prior to inclusion at
the time of joining the project to
assess compliance with the
methodology requirements.
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
Project ownership and
rights
1.5
An agreement/ contract for end
users including the provision
that emission reductions
generated are owned by the
project proponent will be
provided for each project
activity instance.
Agreement with farmer
producer organisations.
Project Proponent
Organization name
Value Network Ventures Advisory Services Pte. Ltd.
Contact person
Mr. Sandeep Roy Choudhury
Title
Director, VNV Advisory
Address
10 Anson Road, #29-07 International Plaza, Singapore-079903
Telephone
+ 91 80 42429927
Email
sandeep@vnvadvisory.net
Email for Project
updates
priyanka.mhaisne@vnvadvisory.net , manjari@vnvadvisory.net
Organization name
India Foundation for Humanistic Development (IFHD)
Contact person
Venkat Raman
Title
Chief Operating Officer
Address
91 Springboard
1st Floor, Gopala Krishna Complex
#45/3, Residency Road
Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560025
1.6
Telephone
+919740614817
Email
prodev@ifhd.in
Other Entities Involved in the Project
NA
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
1.7
Ownership
The project activity comprises a change in practices in plots of farmers from conventional
agriculture to sustainable agriculture. The project is implemented by farmers on their privately
owned lands. Since these farmers’ fields are all legal agricultural fields, and the ownership is
clear, there is no dispute over land ownership in the project site. Farmers are organised into
FPOs, and farmers who meet the applicability conditions of the methodology are selected for
the project.
IFHD is the Implementation Partner, the FPOs will sign agreements to waive off carbon credits to
IFHD, and IFHD in turn signs over the Carbon credits to VNV. IFHD and VNV have a legal
agreement for the project.
1.8
Project Start Date
Project start date is 01/06/2022. the start date is based on the initiation of the
implementation of SALM practices in the farm level. The earliest date of the farmer
adopting the practice of SALM is hence considered as the appropriate start date.
1.9
Project Crediting Period
The project crediting period is 20 years starting from 01/06/2022 and ending on 31/05/2042.
1.10 Project Scale and Estimated GHG Emission Reductions or Removals
The estimated annual GHG emission reductions/removals of the project are:
☒ <20,000 tCO2e/year
☐ 20,000 – 100,000 tCO2e/year
☐ 100,001 – 1,000,000 tCO2e/year
☐ >1,000,000 tCO2e/year
Project Scale
Project
x
Large project
12
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
Year
Estimated GHG emission
reductions or removals (tCO 2e)
2022 - 2023
5000
2023 - 2024
7500
2024 - 2025
10000
2025 - 2026
10000
2026 - 2027
10000
2027 - 2028
10000
2028 - 2029
10000
2029 - 2030
10000
2030 - 2031
10000
2031 - 2032
10000
2032 - 2033
10000
2033 - 2034
10000
2034 - 2035
10000
2035 - 2036
10000
2036 - 2037
10000
2037 - 2038
10000
2038 - 2039
10000
2039 - 2040
10000
2040 - 2041
10000
2041 - 2042
10000
Total estimated ERs
192,500
Total number of crediting years
20
Average annual ERs
9625
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
1.11 Description of the Project Activity
The project promoting SALM practices for smallholder farmers is located in Belagavi in
Karnataka, in India. Smallholder farmers are joining the project activities which are proposed by
the Farmer groups and IFHD whereby VNV is giving advice on the carbon credit aspects.
The SALM project aims at promoting multiple environmental and climate friendly ways of farming
which lead to more sustainable practices and reduces GHG emissions. The project activities
include implementation of SALM activities such as nutrient and crop residue management.
The selected sites are croplands where farmers have been experiencing difficulties maintaining
yields due to waning soil fertility. So, farmers want to switch to more sustainable practices but
are stuck in a conventional farming system due to a lack of awareness and knowledge. There will
be capacity training for farmers to teach them methods to improve the soil, learn about natural
fertilisation and acquire alternative ways to handle harvest residues.
Farmers who are changing their conventional agricultural practices to SALM will generate carbon
credits in their agricultural systems.
The SALM project will focus on management practices that are more sustainable.
-
Application of manures, biomass and homemade organic fertilisers to sustain a healthy crop
growth and improve soils. Manure and concoctions such as Panchagavya can be made from
natural by-product of livestock production and local resources and are an excellent source of
plant nutrients. The use of manure as a fertilizer for crop production is a very beneficial way
to recycle manure nutrients within an agricultural system. The application of this products to
cropland can help maintain or improve soil organic matter levels and improve soil tilth, soil
structure, water infiltration, nutrient and water holding capacity and reduce soil erosion.
-
Reduce chemical fertiliser management involves using best practices to optimize the use of
fertilizers in order to improve crop yield and quality while minimizing negative environmental
impacts. The goal is to provide the plant with the right amount of nutrients at the right time
to maximize its growth and health. Overall, improved fertilizer management in maize crop
production is an important aspect of sustainable agriculture. It can help farmers to improve
crop yield and quality while minimizing negative environmental impacts and ensuring longterm soil health.
-
Crop burning happens in some places where farmers burn crop residues to clear their fields
quickly after harvest, which results in the release of harmful pollutants and greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere. Avoiding crop burning management in maize crop production in
India involves implementing alternative strategies such as:
o
Mechanical methods: This involves using machines like straw balers or choppers to
shred crop residues into smaller pieces, which can be left on the field to decompose
naturally.
14
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
o
Biological methods: Certain microorganisms, like fungi and bacteria, can decompose
crop residues. Farmers can encourage the growth of these microorganisms by adding
organic matter to the soil.
o
Soil amendment: Crop residues can be incorporated into the soil to improve soil
health and fertility.
-
Mulching is a sustainable agricultural practice that involves the application of organic
materials to the soil surface to protect it from erosion and improve its fertility. Mulching helps
to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weed growth, and reduce soil temperature
fluctuations, which can benefit crop growth and yield. Additionally, it promotes the growth of
beneficial soil organisms and enhances soil health, which contributes to the long-term
sustainability of the agricultural system. Mulching is a low-cost and low-input method that
reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, thus reducing environmental
impacts and improving the quality of soil and crops. Overall, mulching is a more sustainable
practice that can help to maintain soil health, increase crop yields, and reduce negative
environmental impacts.
-
Mixed cropping is an old farming practice that involves growing multiple crops together in the
same field. In maize cultivation in India, mixed cropping is often used as a way to promote
greater sustainability and diversity in the agricultural system. One common approach to
mixed cropping in maize cultivation is to intercrop maize with other crops, such as legumes,
vegetables, or cereals. This can help to reduce the risk of crop failure due to pests or disease,
as well as to increase soil fertility and promote biodiversity. It is an important strategy for
promoting sustainability and diversity in maize cultivation and can provide benefits for both
the environment and farmers' livelihoods.
-
Improved water management in maize crop production involves the adoption of strategies to
ensure efficient use of water resources in the cultivation of maize crops. Efficient water
management is critical to ensuring sustainable maize production and will reduce energy use
resulting in lower emissions. Some strategies are:
o
Improve irrigation scheduling to avoid over watering.
o
Drip irrigation.
o
Switch to non-fossil fuel-based pumps such as solar.
These are the main project activities IFHD will implement with regards to sustainable agriculture.
The following tasks are there for implementation of the project.
-
Engaging with farming community and providing awareness on the project with the technical
support of VNV.
-
assessment for the socio-economic development of local small holder farmers involved
through meetings.
-
Develop and strengthen the unity of the FPOs.
-
Undertake surveys and data collection for supporting the project.
-
Providing required support to VNV for coordinating with the farming community.
15
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
-
Appointing dedicated manpower and identifying single point of contact for the duration of the
project.
-
Improve capacity of staff to undertake project successfully.
-
Identify participating farmers for the project and collect their data.
-
Demarcating the boundary of individual farm holding by using GPS.
-
Have regular trainings and meetings with the farming community towards SALM practices
and coordinating with the farmers for practicing the same.
-
Ensuring that activities are implemented in an effective and efficient way.
-
Reporting the progress and furnish the required reports, photographs and documents
relating this project as and when sought by VNV.
-
Monitoring the project progress for the duration of the project and keeping all the project
records appropriately.
-
Use of customised app for recording landholdings and monitoring activities with the
assistance of VNV.
-
Providing required support during validation and verification phases of the carbon
sequestration project with the assistance of VNV.
-
Engage in an agreement with the farmers for waiving the carbon credits.
The project is not located within a jurisdiction covered by a jurisdictional REDD+ program.
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
1.12 Project Location
The project is located in the Belgaum or Belagavi district of Karnataka, India.
Figure 1: Belagavi district
Figure 2: Farmer plot
Figure 3 displays how each farmer plot of a farmer participating in the project is distinctly mapped
with GPS and will be stored in a customised app that will be uploaded in a central database. The
project will be implemented on the plots of these project farmers.
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
1.13 Conditions Prior to Project Initiation
The project is located in Belagavi (KA), in India, where farmers are facing challenges maintaining
yields due to waning soil fertility. As a result, they have been using conventional farming practices
that have negative environmental impacts and contribute to GHG emissions. There are inefficient
farming practices such as overuse of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, which can also
contribute to GHG emissions. Overuse of fertilizers leads to the release of nitrous oxide, while
inefficient irrigation practices can lead to the waste of energy. The use of synthetic fertilizers and
pesticides in maize is common in India, which can lead to soil degradation and contamination,
affecting both the productivity of the land and the health of local ecosystems. Continuous
cultivation of maize without proper crop rotation or soil management practices can result in soil
degradation, reduced fertility, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. Residue burning
is a common practice in maize cultivation. After the maize harvest, farmers often burn the leftover
plant material, such as stalks and leaves, as a way to clear the field for the next crop. However,
residue burning can have several negative environmental impacts. It can reduce soil fertility and
soil moisture, as well as lead to the loss of soil organic matter and it releases significant amounts
of green house gasses, and other air pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution
and climate change.
The root cause of these issues can be traced back to a lack of knowledge and awareness among
farmers about the negative consequences of unsustainable farming practices, including overfertilization.
The project is not implemented to generate GHG emissions for the purpose of their subsequent
reduction, removal or destruction. Instead, the project is focused on promoting sustainable
practices and reducing GHG emissions. The farmers who are changing their conventional
agricultural practices to SALM will generate carbon credits in their agricultural systems, which is
a positive outcome for the environment.
Moreover, the project includes capacity training for farmers to teach them methods to improve
the soil, learn about natural fertilisation, and acquire alternative ways to handle harvest residues.
The aim is to improve the sustainability of agricultural practices and reduce the negative impacts
on the environment.
Therefore, we can conclude that the SALM project has not been implemented to generate
emission reductions for the purpose of their subsequent reduction, removal, or destruction.
Instead, it is focused on promoting sustainable practices and reducing GHG emissions through
the adoption of SALM practices by smallholder farmers in the area.
•
Has the land been cleared of native ecosystems within 10 years of the project start
date?
☐ Yes
☒ No
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
Belagavi, Karnataka
Climate
Belagavi has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification Aw).
It is known for its pleasant year-round climate. Belagavi is at its coldest in
winter (lowest temperature in Karnataka is usually recorded in Belagavi)
and it experiences almost continuous monsoon rains from June through
September. Belagavi sometimes receives hailstorms during April.
The climate of the district as a whole can be termed as semi-arid. The
variation in the maximum temperature during the year ranges from 27 0 C to
35.70 C and minimum from 13.90 C to 20.60 C. The district experiences
pleasant winters and hot dry summers. The hot season extends from March
to May, during which the daily maximum temperature often shoots up to
35.70C.
The average annual rainfall during the period 1971 to 2000 recorded in the
district is 769.1 mm. The highest mean annual rainfall recorded in the
district was 1,064 mm in the year 1975 and the lowest rainfall 455 mm in
the year 20031.
The rainfall averaged at 91.700 mm for the period Jun 2018 to 28 Feb
2023, with 1694 observations. The data reached an all-time high of
574.100 mm on 30 Sep 2018 and a record low of 0.000 mm on 01 Mar
2022.2
Hydrology
Belagavi district has 1144 Lakes and 7 river streams. Major rivers include
Krishna, Malaprabha, Ghataprabha and Markandeya. Most smaller river
streams are rainfed, some of which dry out during peak summer seasons.
The entire district falls in the Krishna River basin except small catchments
of Khanapur, Belagavi and Bailhongal taluks that fall in the catchments of
Mahadayi and Kalinadi rivers that flow towards the west. The river Krishna,
along with its tributaries Ghataprabha and Malaprabha are perennial and
effluent in nature and flow in easterly direction. The drainage density varies
from 0.80 to 3.4km/sq.km3
Water table generally follows the topography of the area and is at greater
depths in the water divides and topographic highs, but becomes shallower
in the valleys and topographic lows and therefore, groundwater moves down
1 https://cdn.s3waas.gov.in/s382f2b308c3b01637c607ce05f52a2fed/uploads/2021/11/2021111656.pdf
2 https://www.ceicdata.com/en/india/rainfall-by-district-cumulative/rainfall-cumulative-karnataka-belgaum-normal
3 https://cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/karnataka/2012/Belgaum_brochure%202012.pdf
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
and follows the gradient from the higher to lower elevations, that is, from
recharge area to discharge area. Therefore, locally direction of flow from
higher elevations is towards the rivers. Overall, the general flow direction of
ground water in the district is generally towards the east 4.
During the post monsoon period, i.e. Nov 2011, the depth to water level in
the district ranges from 0.81 to 12.78mbgl5.
Topography
Belagavi is located at 15.87°N 74.5°E. It has an average elevation of 751
meters (2,464 feet). The city is in the north western parts of Karnataka and
lies at the border of two states, Maharashtra and Goa on the Western Ghats
(50 km (31 mi) from the Goa state border). It is one of the oldest towns in
the state, lying 502 km (312 mi) from Bangalore, 500 km (310 mi) from
Mumbai, 515 km (320 mi) from Hyderabad, and 600 km (370 mi) from
Mysore. Belagavi district is the biggest district of Karnataka. Situated near
the foothills of the Sahyadri mountain range (Western Ghats) at an altitude
of about 779 m (2,556 ft), 100 km (62 mi) from the Arabian Sea with the
Markandeya River flowing nearby, Belagavi exhibits swift and kaleidoscopic
changes in topography, vegetation and climate.
The district is primarily located on the eastern side of the Western Ghats
and its topography is predominantly undulating. A “rugged terrain” marks
the western part of Khanapur and Belagavi taluks with deep cutting ravines
on the foothills of the Western Ghats. The elevation of these hills vary from
796 to 1025m amsl. Northern portion of the district is a plateau region
formed by basaltic lava flows, which represents “Deccan peneplain”. The
central and southern parts exhibit moderate to gently “undulating terrain”
having sparsely distributed knolls and tors. In some parts, especially in
Ramdurg and Saundatti taluks, hills with elevations between 686 and
783m amsl are present. The famous Yellamma temple in Saundatti taluk is
located in one of these isolated hills. The remaining part of the district is in
general a “plateau area”. The elevation in the plains varies from 534m in
the north-eastern part to 820m amsl in the southwestern part of the
district. This has its bearing on the regional slope which is towards
northeast. The differential altitude is significant because, it is likely to
cause irregular ground water flow patterns on the micro scale 6.
On the western side, the district is covered with thick forests along the
Western Ghat ranges. These western fringes are the most elevated area of
4 https://pmksy.gov.in/mis/Uploads/2016/20161220032037515-1.pdf
5 https://cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/karnataka/2012/Belgaum_brochure%202012.pdf
6 https://cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/karnataka/2012/Belgaum_brochure%202012.pdf
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
the district, running along the Sahyadri Hills, and stand at 450 to 900
metres above msl. The tops and upper slopes of these hills are almost bare
and heavily degraded, but the lower slopes are fairly wooded with moist
deciduous and evergreen species. This area receives high rainfall during
the southwest monsoon.
The Northern belt of the district between the Ghataprabha and Krishna
rivers make a second zone. The west of this area is marked by plateau of
poor soil, further east there are rolling hills also of poor soil quality. In the
northwest the land is also degraded and of low quality, but the north of
Krishna River there is a belt of rich deep soil. Most of the forest areas of the
district are concentrated in this zone.
The central zone of the district is defined by hills to the west and a
succession of bare sandstone ranges to the east. The western end of the
Ghataprabha valley is rugged with some forests on its slopes but this
changes as the valley progresses eastwards near Daddi and passes through
a black soil plain. The Gokak hills are flat-topped; their sides are terraced
and covered in deciduous tree crops. Much of the rain comes from the
northeast, leaving the south and west rather dry.
The lands are more open in the southern zone of the district; here arable
crops occupy the majority of the land. To the far west and south of the
district high rugged hills and forests break up the landscape, though in the
extreme south the area becomes increasingly less wooded with larger
outcrops of rock7.
Soils
The soils of Belagavi district can broadly be classified into red soils and
black soils. These soils vary in depth and texture, depending on the parent
rock type, physiographic settings and climatic conditions. Black soils
predominates the Deccan Trap terrain and the red soils are found in the
southwestern and south eastern part of the district in gneissic terrain.
These soils in turn can be grouped into seven categories – shallow,
medium, deep to very deep red soils, mixed red and black soils, red loamy
soils, laterite soils, and alluvial soils, out of which the first five cover large
tracks of land while the last two – laterite and alluvial soils are local in
nature.8
7 https://pmksy.gov.in/mis/Uploads/2016/20161220032037515-1.pdf
8 https://cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/karnataka/2012/Belgaum_brochure%202012.pdf
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
Relevant
historical
conditions
Land use pattern of Belagavi district (2011):
A 2012-13 report on the economic profile of Belagavi suggests, the
infrastructural development rate of the district is high and at a fast pace.
The fourth largest city, Belagavi houses India’s first notified Aerospace
Precision Engineering and Manufacturing SEZ center. Rich deposits of
bauxite and 200 foundries producing over 70,000 tons of automotive and
industrial casting of ferrous base has made it an important center for
manufacture of heavy machine tools and high-pressure oil hydraulics. The
district has 24 Sugar factories, 8 Medium scale Enterprise Units,
Aerospace, Aluminium (Hindalco), Hindustan Latex Limited to name a few 9.
The report also suggests that the district houses 16 Industrial estates, 6
industrial areas and 1 SEZ; 54 large and medium scale industries, 43, 102
small-scale industries. The government had identified 11, 842 acres of land
at Belagavi for land bank in Belagavi, Hukkeri, Khanapura, Bailhongla
Taluks under various industrial sectors include a major proportion under
the state’s textile sector as per the report. This process of land
identification and utilization for and from a Land bank, is a continuous
process in the state, thus, it is expected that these numbers have only
increased in this decade10.
The locational advantage of being right in the middle of Bengaluru –
Mumbai region is a major advantage in developing the region as a support
base for Automobile and Aerospace industries here. A 2022 article further
adds the governments aim to setting up an Industrial ecosystem in
Belagavi11.
These developments though contribute to the overall development of the
district and increase in its GDP, it is expected to reduce the area under
agriculture, reducing income and increasing pressure for change on the
existing farmers.
A temporal land use land cover analysis study reveals a decline of forest
cover by 2.99% (9029.9 ha) due to anthropogenic activities involving an
increase in agricultural land along the edges of forests. An increase in the
agriculture area by 0.75% is due to cash crops with the availability of
irrigation facilities. Urbanization and urban sprawl in and around the towns
and cities led to conversation of agricultural lands to built-up areas. Land
9 https://industries.karnataka.gov.in/storage/pdf-files/DISTRICT%20PROFILE-BELGAUM.pdf
10 https://theprint.in/india/karnataka-govt-aims-to-develop-industrial-ecosystem-in-belagavi-minister/796342/
11 https://belagavi.nic.in/en/economy/
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
Use conversion is evident from the decline of large tracts of forests and
grazing lands in Khanapur, Belagavi taluks. The inappropriate crops in the
forested regions and water-intensive crops in the plateau region have
caused imbalances in the water availability of the district. Large-scale land
conversion is due to the implementation of infrastructure projects like the
construction of Shirur Dam, and the peninsular region industrial
development (PRIDE) corridor projects, etc. Tourism-related developmental
activities near Malaprabha Dam, Hidakal, etc. are responsible for inducing
infrastructure developments. National Highway (NH)-4A expansion has
caused a death trail of 22,000 trees to connect to Goa state through the
Kali tiger reserve of Uttara Kannada district. The widening of NH-4A has a
compounding impact on wildlife, endangers public health, and exacerbates
natural disasters in an ecologically sensitive area 12.
Ecosystem
Belagavi has forest cover types ranging from dense evergreen forests stand
at 450 to 900 m above mean sea level (amsl) in the west to the moist
deciduous in the foothills of the Sahyadri (mountainous part of the Western
Ghats), and dry deciduous thorn scrubs in the north and eastern portions.
Dry deciduous hills define the central zone of the district to the west, and a
succession of bare sandstone ranges to the east 13.
The district is home to critically endangered and threatened species of flora
such as Syzygium travancoricum Gamble, Vateria indica L., Corypha
umbraculifera L, Zornia gibbosa Span., Dimocarpus longan Lour., Garcinia
gummi-gutta (L.) Roxb., Aspidopterys canarensis Dalzell, Calophyllum
apetalum Willd, Chloroxylon swietenia DC., Dalbergia latifolia Roxb,
Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy, Myristica dactyloides Wall, Myristica
malabarica Lam, Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd. The significant and vulnerable
fauna includes birds (Ardeotis nigriceps, Sarcogyps calvus, Vanellus
gregarius, Gyps bengalensis, Gyps indicus), Mammals (Otomops
wroughtoni, Bubalus bubalis, Cuon alpinus, Elephas maximus, Manis
cradsicaudata, Panthera tigris, Hyaena hyaena, Panthera pardus, Equus
asinus, Semnopithecus hypoleucos, Bos gaurus, Melursus ursinus,
Platacanthomyslasiurus), Reptiles (Hemidactylus sataraensis, Ophiophagus
hannah, Pythonmolurus)1415.
12 http://jeb.co.in/journal_issues/202301_jan23/paper_03.pdf
13 http://jeb.co.in/journal_issues/202301_jan23/paper_03.pdf
14 https://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/biodiversity/pubs/ETR/ETR39/terrestrial_ecosystem.htm
15
https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(3r3qmrwqnwcs4g4s2ziapxjh))/downloads/Annual%20Reports/Annual%20report%20Engli
sh%202021-22_30-12-2022_05.06.18.pdf
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
The southern part of the district consists of the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary
(declared in 2011), Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary, and Yadahalli Chinkara
Wildlife Sanctuary.
Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Khanapur taluk, Karnataka-Goa
border in Belagavi district, and is spread over an area of around 190 sq km.
This sanctuary is known for the Barapede caves, the only known breeding
area of the Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bat, a threatened species on the verge
of extinction. The sanctuary is also home to other species like the Velvetfronted Nuthatch, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Imperial Pigeon, Emerald Dove,
and the elusive Malabar Trogon16.
Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary is situated near Kolhapur-Nargund Road, and
is one of the most-visited attractions in the region. It is enclosed by the
mighty Ghataprabha River and emerged in over 22 Islands. This 29.78 Sq.
Km region is home to more than 225 bird species from different parts of
the country. While European White Stock and the Demoiselle Crane are the
most popular migratory Birds in the region, there are several Endemic Birds
and Avifauna as well. Some of these include Peacock, Egrets, Lesser Pied,
Snakebird, and Stocks as well. Besides this, the Sanctuary also has a
variety of Snakes, Jackals, Mongoose, Hares, and other animal species 17.
Yadahalli Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary, aimed for the
protection of chinkaras (Indian Gazelle). Established in 2016, it is the first
chinkara sanctuary in Karnataka. Other than chinkaras, mammals seen
here include wolves, jackals, wildcats and stripped hyenas. It is also home
to many butterfly species, bees, birds, reptiles and spiders. The forest in the
sanctuary contains more than 80 tree species belonging to 67 genera in 34
families out of which three species are endemic to Peninsular India. Among
the trees found here four species are graded as Vulnerable (VU), and one is
graded Near Threatened (NT) at global level. This was a shrub forest that
has seen some damage due to plantations. The status of wildlife sanctuary
given to the forest ensured an end to the commercial exploitation of the
area. The threat of poachers was a major problem for the sanctuary. As
hunting was restricted by various measures, the number of chinkaras and
other mammals increased within this range. It is said that the number of
chinkaras, which was 85 in 2016, increased to 92 in 2022 18.
16 https://karnatakatourism.org/tour-item/bhimgad-wildlife-
sanctuary/#:~:text=Bhimgad%20Wildlife%20Sanctuary%20is%20located,on%20the%20verge%20of%20extinction
17 https://karnatakatourism.org/tour-item/ghataprabha-bird-sanctuary/
18 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yadahalli_Chinkara_Wildlife_Sanctuary
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
Two species of algae, Cosmarium bourrellyi and Cosmarium desikacharyi
were discovered in a paddy field in Belagavi19.
A major non-wood forest produce in the district is tamarind.
A few Forest Offence Cases are recorded every year, especially
encroachment cases.
IISC has identified 2 biodiversity hotspots of hope in the district, that has
observed improvement in its biodiversity conditions and 5 biodiversity
hotspots of despair that require attention, in order to protect and conserve
their spots.
Encroachment, developments activities, industrialization of the district and
forest fires are identified as the major causes for degradation of the natural
ecosystem of the district20.
Environmental
conditions
Agro-climatologically the district can be divided into three zones i.e. high
rainfall “Hilly zone”, “Northern transitional zone” and “Northern dry zone”
from southwest to northeast respectively. The normal rainfall in the district
decreases from more than 1859 mm in Khanapur taluk in the southwest, to
less than 491 mm in Raybag taluk towards north easterly direction. Those
areas, that receive less than 750 mm annual rainfall are classified as semiarid and thus drought prone. Hence, the entire district except, the
southwestern part is categorized as semiarid and drought prone 21.
District data
showing a
trend
In 2010, Belagavi had 38.1kha of tree cover, extending over 2.9% of its land
area. In 2021, it lost 6.53ha of tree cover. From 2001 to 2021, Belagavi
lost 201ha of tree cover, equivalent to a 0.41% decrease in tree cover since
2000. From 2000 to 2020, Belagavi gained 38ha of tree cover region-wide
equal to 0.75% of all tree cover gain in Karnataka. Thus, from 2000 to
2020, Belagavi experienced a net change of 6.92kha (4.7%) in tree cover.
From 2002 to 2021, Belagavi lost 32ha of humid primary forest, making up
16% of its total tree cover loss in the same time period. Total area of humid
primary forest in Belagavi decreased by 0.17% in this time period. From
2013 to 2021, 98% of tree cover loss in Belagavi occurred within natural
- Forest
coverage
- Agricultural
land
coverage
19 http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/Biodiversity%20of%20Karnataka%20at%20a%20Glance_0.pdf
20 https://fsiforestfire.gov.in/lff/all-pixels.php?state=KARNATAKA&date=2023-02-24&filter=
21 https://cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/karnataka/2012/Belgaum_brochure%202012.pdf
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
- Fallow land
coverage
forest. From 2001 to 2021, Belagavi lost 3ha of tree cover from fires and
198ha from all other drivers of loss 22.
The forest department has reported a 2063.20 sq km area in their 202021 report, 2066.06 sq km in the 2021-22 report, suggesting a slight
increase of about 0.02% in the forest area. The years prior to 2020, all
report the same area of 2063.20 sq kms 2324.
Net sown area in the district is 841,900 Hectares, which is 62% of the total
geographical area of 1,344,382 hectares of the district. About 31.4% of the
‘Net sown’ area i.e. 231,300 hectares is sown more than once. Major crops
grown in the area are jowar, maize, paddy, wheat, bajra, grams, tur,
groundnut, sunflower, sugarcane, cotton, tobacco etc25.
The long-term pre-monsoon water level trend (2001-2010) shows a rise in
79% of the wells, while there is a fall in 21% of the wells. On the other hand
during post-monsoon period, 93% of the wells show rising trend, while there
is a falling trend in 7% of the wells. Overall the annualised trend shows a
rise in 93% of the wells and fall in 7% of the wells26.
1.14 Compliance with Laws, Statutes and Other Regulatory Frameworks
The Project follows all the laws and regulations of the land. This is a voluntary project, where
farmers switch to sustainable agricultural practices on their own private lands. There are no laws
or policies that stops farmers to apply sustainable agricultural practices on their own privately
held plots.
India, a signatory to the Paris Agreement that aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius
as compared to pre-industrial levels, has made an ambitious pledge of achieving net-zero carbon
emissions by 2070 at the CoP26 meeting. Conforming to this aim will require huge efforts in
different sectors and at different levels27.
22 https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/IND/16/4/?category=forest-change&location
23
https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(rp2qxbilqnwsv01lfwa11dx4))/downloads/Annual%20Reports/Annual%20report
%20English_04-10-2021_11.31.07.pdf
24
https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(5d3xyakg3znddyhs4kgpk1wm))/downloads/Annual%20Reports/Annual%20rep
ort%20English%202021-22_30-12-2022_05.06.18.pdf
25 https://pmksy.gov.in/mis/Uploads/2016/20161220032037515-1.pdf
26 https://cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/karnataka/2012/Belgaum_brochure%202012.pdf
27 https://law.asia/carbon-neutral-policies-india/
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
The following are the International Obligations, National laws, Strategies and Frameworks existing
in the region that the project complies with.28
The Indian government has several laws and policies aimed at providing various benefits to
farmers in the country.
The National Action Plan on Climate Change identifies measures that promote the country's
development objectives while also yielding co-benefits for addressing climate change effectively.
It outlines a number of steps to simultaneously advance India's development and climate changerelated objectives of adaptation and mitigation. Of the 8 core missions under the plan, is the
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture. This mission aims to promote sustainable
agriculture practices and increase the resilience of farming systems. 29
The government of India adopted a mega project called the National Initiative on Climate Resilient
Agriculture (NICRA). Its four main modules include Natural Resource Management, improving
crop production, livestock and fisheries and institutional interventions 30.
Article 48 of the Indian Constitution – Part IV - DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry —The State shall endeavour to organise
agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take
steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter, of cows and calves
and other milch and draught cattle.
Further, the Constitution assigns all activities associated with Agriculture, including agricultural
education and research, protection against pests and prevention of plant diseases under the
state list. This list also includes Land, that is to say, rights in or over land, land tenures including
the relation of landlord and tenant, and the collection of rents; transfer and alienation of
agricultural land; land improvement and agricultural loans; colonization.
Some of the key laws and policies related to farmers and their benefits are:
1. National Policy for Farmers31.
28 https://agricoop.nic.in/sites/default/files/National%20Agroforestry%20Policy%202014.pdf
https://climatelaws.org/legislation_and_policies?from_geography_page=India&geography%5B%5D=78&type%5B%5D=legislative
https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/NDC/2022-08/India%20Updated%20First%20Nationally%20Determined%20Contrib.pdf
https://www.indiacode.nic.in/https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/COI.pdf
29 https://climate-laws.org/geographies/india/policies/national-action-plan-on-climate-change
30 https://ksdma.karnataka.gov.in/storage/pdf-files/India%20INDC.pdf
31https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=117468#:~:text=National%20Policy%20for%20Farmers&text=Governme
nt%20has%20already%20implemented%20the,increase%20net%20income%20of%20farmers.
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
2.
3.
4.
5.
National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology 32
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana33
National Agroforestry Policy (NAP)34.
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture 35.
6. National Environment Policy36
7. Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act37.
8. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana38
9. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana39
10. Soil Health Card Scheme40
11. National Seeds Policy41.
12. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 42
13. The Forest Conservation Act.43
14. The Land Acquisition Act 44
15. National Land Utilization Policy 45
16. The Crop Residue Management Guidelines 46
17. National Policy for Management of Crop Residue (NPMCR)47
32 https://agricoop.nic.in/sites/default/files/Chapter%20on%20NMAET%20for%20all%20Guidelines_1.pdf
33 https://pgsindia-ncof.gov.in/
34 https://ksdma.karnataka.gov.in/storage/pdf-files/India%20INDC.pdf
35 https://midh.gov.in/
36 https://admin.indiawaterportal.org/sites/default/files/iwp2/National_Environment_Policy__MoEF_2006.pdf
37 https://climate-laws.org/geographies/india/laws/compensatory-afforestation-fund-act-act-no-38-of-2016
38 http://www.rkvy.nic.in/#
39 https://nationalinsurance.nic.co.in/en/pradhan-mantri-fasal-bima-yojana-pmfby
40https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1603758#:~:text=The%20objectives%20of%20the%20Soil,test%20based%2
0on%20nutrient%20management.
41 https://seednet.gov.in/PDFFILES/National%20Seed%20Policy,%202002.pdf
42 https://indiankanoon.org/doc/867156/
43 https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1436914/
44https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1797812/#:~:text=%E2%80%94When%20any%20lands%20vests%20in,.%E2%80%9D%20%5B
%20Vide%20Gujarat%20Act%2020
45 https://smartnet.niua.org/content/b74035e9-e2bb-4112-898e-
dace0b9e8cd1#:~:text=The%20goal%20of%20the%20National,ensure%20sustainable%20development%20of%20India.
46 https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1813181
47 https://agricoop.nic.in/sites/default/files/NPMCR_1.pdf
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Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
18. The Indian Forest Act48
19. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) 49
20. National Food Security Act50
21. The Seed Act51
22. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Act 52
23. Kisan Credit Card Scheme53
24. Gramin Bhandaran Yojana (GBY)54
National Projects include:
1. NATIONAL PROJECT ON ORGANIC FARMING (NPOF) 55
2. NATIONAL PROJECT ON MANAGEMENT OF SOIL HEALTH & FERTILITY (NPMSF) 56.
Karnataka: Some of the important laws and policies are:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Karnataka Land Reforms Act 57
Karnataka State Agricultural Policy58
Karnataka State Organic Farming Policy 59
Karnataka Groundwater (Regulation and Control of Development and Management) Act 60
48 https://indiankanoon.org/doc/654536/
49https://pmksy.gov.in/#:~:text=To%20this%20effect%20Pradhan%20Mantri,creation%2C%20distribution%2C%20manageme
nt%2C%20field
50https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1897933#:~:text=The%20National%20Food%20Security%20Act%2C%
202013%20(NFSA)%20provides%20for,comes%20to%20about%2081.35%20crore.
51https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/1712?view_type=browse&sam_handle=123456789/1362#:~:text=Short%
20Title%3A-,The%20Seeds%20Act%2C%201966,of%20Agriculture%20and%20Farmers%20Welfare
52 https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/1909?view_type=search&sam_handle=123456789/1362
53 https://www.rbi.org.in/commonman/English/Scripts/Notification.aspx?Id=2311
54 http://dmi.gov.in/Schemegby.aspx
55 https://agricoop.nic.in/sites/default/files/gnpof11511.pdf
56 https://agricoop.nic.in/sites/default/files/inm111108.pdf
57 https://prsindia.org/bills/states/the-karnataka-land-reforms-amendment-ordinance-
2020#:~:text=It%20amends%20the%20Karnataka%20Land,ceiling%20on%20agricultural%20land%20holdings
58 https://raitamitra.karnataka.gov.in/storage/pdf-files/Agri%20Policy%20eng.pdf
59 http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/content/444216/karnataka-organic-farming-policy-2017/
60 http://www.bareactslive.com/KAR/kar114.htm
29
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
5) Karnataka State Irrigation Act61.
6) Krishi Bhagya Scheme62
7) Ganga Kalyana Scheme 63
8) Krushi Aranya Protsahan Yojana64
9) Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act65
10) Karnataka Forest Rules66
11) Karnataka Raitha Suraksha Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (KRS-PMFBY)67 68
12) Chief Minister’s Sookshma Neeravari Yojanae National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
(NMSA)69
The project is in compliance with all and any relevant local, regional and national laws, statutes
and regulatory frameworks.
1.15 Participation under Other GHG Programs
Projects Registered (or seeking registration) under Other GHG Program(s)
The Project has not been registered or is seeking registration under any other GHG programs.
Projects Rejected by Other GHG Programs
The Project has not been rejected by any other GHG programs.
1.16 Other Forms of Credit
Emissions Trading Programs and Other Binding Limits
61 https://dpal.karnataka.gov.in/storage/pdf-
files/acts%20alpha%20and%20dept%20wise%20acts/16%20of%201965%20(E).pdf
62 https://raitamitra.karnataka.gov.in/info-2/krushi+Bhagya/en
63 https://kmdc.karnataka.gov.in/31/ganga-kalyana-schmeme/en
64https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(d4fhy1zwyis1qvjox1mnttyu))/English/IndividualScheme.aspx?HkxuiBwcRAlH/nwkzKruPQ
==
65 https://www.aranya.gov.in/downloads/KTP_Act_1976.pdf
66 https://aranya.gov.in/downloads/KF_Rules_1969.pdf
67 https://raitamitra.karnataka.gov.in/info-2/Karnataka+Raitha+Suraksha+Pradhana+Mantri+Fasal+Bima+Yojana/en
68 https://wri-india.org/sites/default/files/roadmap-scaling-trees-outside-forests-India-learnings-select-states-policy-
incentives.pdf
69 https://empri.karnataka.gov.in/storage/pdf-files/CCC/KSAPCC%20.pdf
30
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
Does the project reduce GHG emissions from activities that are included in an emissions
trading program or any other mechanism that includes GHG allowance trading?
☐ Yes
☒ No
If yes, provide the name of the emissions trading program or other mechanism that allows GHG
allowance trading.
Other Forms of Environmental Credit
Has the project sought or received another form of GHG-related credit, including renewable
energy certificates?
☐ Yes
☒ No
If yes, provide the name of the other program(s) under which the project has sought or received
another form of GHG-related credit.
Supply Chain (Scope 3) Emissions
This Section is not applicable to the project. The project activities will not impact the emissions
of goods and services in the supply chain as there will be no changes in yields. Maize will be
produced, only it will be with more sustainable practices. Scope 3 emissions will not be impacted
due to these changes.
1.17 Sustainable Development Contributions
The project activities focus on promoting sustainable development in maize farming. The
activities include a few key measures: more sustainable ways of producing maize, such as
reducing chemical fertilizers while increasing natural ones. The project will promote the use of
sustainable farming practices that reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers by using organic
amendments to the soil and other practices that enhance soil health and fertility.
The project will also aim to reduce the use of fossil fuels in maize cultivation by promoting more
efficient ways for irrigation. In addition, the project will discourage the burning of harvest
residues, which is a common practice in some of the regions and can lead to significant emissions
of carbon dioxide, methane, and other nitrous oxide.
To further enhance carbon sequestration, the project will encourage the implementation of
agroforestry practices, which involve integrating trees into the farming landscape. Trees can
sequester significant amounts of carbon, and the project will work with farmers to identify
appropriate tree species and planting methods that are compatible with maize cultivation.
The project is located in areas where maize farming is prevalent, and the implementation of
sustainable practices will have a significant impact on the environment and the livelihoods of
people in these areas.
31
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
The project's activities will result in expected SD contributions in several ways. The mulching of
harvest residue and the use of natural fertilizers will improve soil health, increase water retention,
and reduce soil erosion, which will contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices. The
advocacy for more sustainable ways of producing maize will promote the use of sustainable
practices and reduce the negative impact of maize farming on the environment.
The project's activities also contribute to achieving nationally stated sustainable development
priorities. Reducing air pollution, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and protecting the
environment are critical priorities for sustainable development. By implementing these practices
in maize farming, the project contributes to achieving these priorities. The project may also have
broader impacts on poverty reduction, as maize farming is an important source of income for
many people in the areas where the project is implemented.
To monitor and report on the project's progress and impact, will tracking the adoption of
sustainable agriculture practices. The project will also work with local communities and other
stakeholders to gather feedback and report on the project's impact on people's lives and the
environment.
SDG 2
Zero Hunger.
Type of Impact
Sustainable crop production.
Affected
Stakeholder
Group(s)
Farmers within the Project area.
Expected
achievement
Implement resilient agricultural practices
that help maintain ecosystems, and
strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate
change.
Monitoring
Agricultural area under productive and
sustainable agriculture.
SDG 12
Responsible consumption and production.
Type of Impact
Achieve the environmentally sound
management of chemicals and all wastes
throughout their life cycle, in accordance with
agreed international frameworks, and
significantly reduce their release to air, water
and soil in order to minimize their adverse
32
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
impacts on human health and the
environment.
Affected
Stakeholder
Group(s)
Farmers within the Project area.
Expected
achievement
Reduced Consumption of Nitrogenous
fertilizers.
Monitoring
Use of Nitrogenous fertilizers.
SDG 13
Climate
Type of Impact
CH4 emission reduction.
Affected
Stakeholder
Group(s)
Farmers within the Project area/ global
benefit.
Expected
achievement
The Project expects to reduce CO2
emissions.
Monitoring
Emission reductions achieved through the
project.
SDG 15
Life on land
Type of Impact
Restore degraded land and soil.
Affected
Stakeholder
Group(s)
Farmers within the Project area/ global
benefit.
Expected
achievement
Implement resilient agricultural practices
that help maintain ecosystems, and soil
restoration.
Monitoring
Agricultural area under productive and
sustainable agriculture.
.
33
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
1.18 Additional Information Relevant to the Project
Leakage Management
As per the VCS Standard v4.4
Section 3.15.5: adoption of leakage management zones. The project does not foresee a shift in
cultivation or a displacement of maize due to the change to sustainable practices. Hence leakage
management zones are not needed.
Section 3.15.6:
As per section 3.15.7 Where projects are required to account for leakage, such leakage
evaluation shall be documented in the appropriate section of the project description and/or
monitoring report, as applicable.”
As per the methodology VM0017: “The one potential source of leakage is an increase in the use
of fuel wood and/or fossil fuels from non-renewable sources for cooking and heating purposes
due to the decrease in the use of manure and/or residuals as an energy source.”
The project aims to increase organic input from farmyard manure, compost to increase soil
nutrient and soil carbon. The crop residue produced after harvest is integrated into the soil. This
residue in the project was not used for fodder or as fuel for cooking. Therefore, there is no
displacement of pre-project biomass.
As per section 3.15.8 Market leakage assessments shall occur per the requirements set out in
the applied methodology(s) at validation and verification.
The major project activity is to stop the burning of harvest residue and switching to more
sustainable agricultural practices. Trash burning is a common practice in many maize-growing
regions. However, burning can have negative impacts on the environment, such as air pollution
and soil degradation, and can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Not burning the harvest residue can create more favourable conditions for growing maize in
several ways. First, the harvest residue, when left on the ground, can act as a natural mulch that
helps to retain moisture in the soil, reduce soil erosion, and improve soil fertility. This can help to
create a more stable and nutrient-rich soil environment for the maize to grow in. Additionally, the
retention of harvest residue can also help to reduce weed growth and increase soil organic
matter, which can further improve the soil's health and fertility. Not burning maize harvest residue
can create better conditions for growing maize by improving soil health and promoting
sustainable agricultural practices.
In some cases, shifting to sustainable cultivation of maize such as replacing chemical fertilisers
with natural ones can potentially lead to a decrease in production. However, careful planning and
implementation is in place to circumvent this. This will avoid a decrease and the associated shift
of production elsewhere in the jurisdiction.
34
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
Overall, the project does not envisage any market leakage occurring as the projects will not
reduce the production of maize, causing a change in the supply and market demand equilibrium
that results in a shift of production elsewhere to make up for the lost supply. Neither will there
be an activity-shifting leakage as the land use will remain the same and there is no need to shift
cultivation elsewhere.
Commercially Sensitive Information
No commercially sensitive information has been excluded from the public version of the Project
description.
Further Information
No additional information is there that might have a bearing on the eligibility of the project, the
net GHG emission reductions or removals, or the quantification of the project’s net GHG
emission reductions or removals.
2 SAFEGUARDS
2.1
No Net Harm
The Project Activities comprise a change in the cultivation practices from conventional practices
to more sustainable practices. These practices aim to reduce, stop or reverse the years of
degradation and deterioration of the soil and the agricultural system.
Excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer leads to soil and water pollution to the soil. The project
does not lead to an increase in usage of nitrogenous fertiliser. A Package of Practices is provided
to the farmers to ensure optimised timing of application of fertiliser for the amended water
regime.
The project does not affect natural or pre-existing pattern of watercourses or ground-water
negatively. In addition, the Project is not anticipated to have any impact on watershed(s) in the
project area.
Improper use of pesticide application would be harmful to the natural environment as well as
people. The Project observes the principle of prevention and advocates applying natural and
biological pesticides to reduce harm to the environment and people.
2.2
Local Stakeholder Consultation
Engagement of stakeholders and including them in all activities remains at the centre of IFHD’s
approach of work. Here, regular community mobilisation meetings and holding training workshops
at regular intervals to upskill the farmers are given special focus. The idea here is to empower the
35
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
local stakeholders, particularly the farmers, through knowledge transfer, capacity building sessions
and participation in the value chain through strengthened community organisations. Such meetings
and workshops are led by India Foundation for Humanistic Development (IFHD), the implementing
organisation on ground, who hold a strong credential in terms of expertise and experience in the
project area. The support of local authorities also remains fundamental in stakeholder mobilisation
and thereby amplifying the impacts of such knowledge transfer sessions.
The following table lists down the series of meetings and trainings conducted by IFHD with the
communities and farming community as part of the project.
Date
Village name
Institution
Discussion topic for Stakeholder
Consultation
Training on sustainable farming
13.02.2021
Yadagud
Farmer Producer
Organisation (FPO)
23.02.2021
Yadagud
FPO
Training on sustainable farming
23.06.2021
Hoskote
Farmer groups
Sustainable farming, FPO roles
and product marketing
25.06.2021
Dadibavi
Farmers
Carbon farming techniques
14.07.2021
Hullolihatti
FPO
27.07.2021
Hosur
FPO
28.07.2021
Tukkanatti
FPO
FPO roles and responsibilities,
marketing and sustainable
farming
Sustainable farming practices,
marketing of produce through
FPOs
Sustainable land management
practices
30.07.2021
Vaderahatti
FPO
FPO’s role in agriculture, organic
farming techniques
10.08.2021
Hirekumbi
Farmer groups
11.08.2021
Belavi
FPO and community
members
Project Briefing and importance
of FPO
Initial Discussions about Project
With the support of the technical experts at IFHD and FPO representatives, the meetings cum
training sessions provide avenues for the diverse groups of farmers, including female farmers, to
come together and learn about different aspects of sustainable land management practices.
Different organic farming methods, its importance, crop and environment safety are also covered.
Along with this, farmers are oriented on use of organic manures, preparation of vermicompost, pest
and disease management by using biological and cultural methods and its importance in reduction
36
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
of cost of production. Farmers are also introduced to how growing of different tree species along
with crops on the bunds help to strengthen the soil health, create micro-climate and gives food
fodder and manure while bringing economic benefits for the farming communities. The meetings
particularly focused on building the farmers’ knowledge on details of carbon farming and ways of
increasing soil carbon stocks while discussing how such practices are significant climate change
mitigation measures.
In addition to Package of Practices (PoP) on maize production, discussion is also held on
importance of collective marketing of produce at FPO level and value addition to address different
existing challenges in agriculture sector and overall helping to improve the income of farmers in
such sessions.
As part of ongoing consultation with stakeholders, IFHD team will continue to hold regular trainings
and meetings with stakeholders including the communities. Here, the Community Resource
Persons (CRPs) of IFHD remain in direct contact with the communities and thus help to keep record
of the feedbacks and in immediate redressal of any concerns of the local stakeholders on regular
basis.
Pictures of Consultation with Stakeholders
37
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
2.3
Environmental Impact
The Project team has not identified any major risk or impact to any local stakeholders, to their
property rights and natural resources.
2.4
Public Comments
Left blank intentionally as per Section 3.1.3 of the Registration and Issuance Process v4.3
2.5
AFOLU-Specific Safeguards
The Project team has not identified any major risk or impact to any local stakeholders, to their
property rights and natural resources. The baseline survey indicated no risks for the population
surveyed. The farmers are open to the initiatives of the project. However, the identification of
risks will be ongoing process throughout the project implementation.
38
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
3 APPLICATION OF METHODOLOGY
3.1
Title and Reference of Methodology
Approved VCS methodology VM0017: Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Land Management
(version 1.0)
Tools:
3.2
•
VCS VT0001 Tool for the Demonstration and Assessment of Additionality in VCS
Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) Project Activities, version 3.0
•
CDM Tool for the identification of degraded or degrading lands for consideration in
implementing CDM A/R project activities, version 01
•
CDM Tool: Estimation of direct nitrous oxide emission from nitrogen fertilization, version
01
•
CDM Tool: Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks of trees and shrubs
in A/R CDM project activities”, version 04.2
•
Tool: Estimation of direct nitrous oxide emission from N-fixing species and crop residues
(Section VI.1 of the SALM methodology)
•
Tool: Estimation of emissions from the use of fossil fuels in agricultural management
(Section VI.2 of the SALM methodology)
•
Tool: Estimation of non-CO2 emissions from the burning of crop residues (Section VI.3 of
the SALM methodology)
•
CDM Tool for testing significance of GHG emissions in A/R CDM project activities, version
01.
Applicability of Methodology
VM0017, Version 1 Sectoral Scope 14, Section 1, I.2 Applicability conditions
Conditions
Justification
a) Land is either cropland or grassland
at the start of the project;
The land under the project activity and its project
instance are designated for agricultural purpose
only. Section 1.3 of the VCS PD describes the
historical land use of the project activity instance
which confirms the land as cropland.
39
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
b) The project does not occur on
wetlands;
b) As already established the project does not occur
on wetlands
c) The land is degraded and will
continue to be degraded or continue
to degrade;
c) As the land is cropland and will remain cropland
the degradation will remain constant or increase.
Under current practices the soil is losing its
production capacity, turning into an inert medium.
Agricultural soils in India are generally in a state of
degradation. “A major cause of land degradation is
human activity. The World Health Organization
(WHO) cites “increasing and combined pressures of
agricultural and livestock production (overcultivation, overgrazing, forest conversion),
urbanization [and] deforestation” as leading causes.
Construction activity and the overuse of pesticides
and chemical fertilisers for farming are also seen as
contributors.”70
In India “Land degradation is one of the prominent
problems of mankind which not only reduces the
production capacity of an area, but also affects the
overall ecosystem. Various types of physical,
chemical and biological land degradation result in
degradation of soil quality.” Some are excess tillage,
soil erosion, crusting, compaction, salinization,
excessive use of agro-chemicals, nutrient deficiency
and reduced soil organic matter.71
In2014-15, the Union Ministry of Agriculture and
Farmers’ Welfare initiated the Soil Health Card
(SHC) scheme. 52,700,000 soil samples. Results
from across India reveal the deteriorating health of
Indian soils. Most Indian soils are deficient in
70 As Land Degrades, India Struggles to Save Its Farms, By Rohit Inani, Al Jazeera on September 19, 2019, Scientific American,
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/as-land-degrades-india-struggles-to-save-its-farms/
71 Soil degradation challenges for sustainable agriculture in tropical India, Ch. Srinivasarao, CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 120, NO.
3, 10 FEBRUARY 2021, https://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/120/03/0492.pdf
40
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
organic carbon and macronutrients. Agricultural
soils in Karnataka are deficient in organic carbon,
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.72
d) The area of land under cultivation
in the region is constant or increasing
in absence of the project;
e) Forest land, as defined by the
national CDM forest definition, in the
region is constant or decreasing over
time;
f) There must be studies (for example:
scientific journals, university theses,
local research studies or work carried
out by the project proponent) that
demonstrate that the use of the RothC model is appropriate
d) The area under cultivation is showing a constant
trend in the project area.
e) Temporal land use analysis as reported by a
study, reveals a loss of forest cover by 2.99% (90.29
sq km) with an increase in the built-up area for two
decades (1989 to 2019 and a decline of contiguous
interior forests from 16.26% to 6.77%73.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs
/pii/S0167880911002726 , Evaluation of RothC
model using four Long Term Fertilizer Experiments in
black soils, India, T. Bhattacharyya, D.K. Pal, A.S.
Deshmukh, R.R. Deshmukh, S.K. Ray, P. Chandran,
C. Mandal
The objective of the present study was to evaluate
RothC model to estimate total organic carbon (TOC)
changes under four long term fertilizer experimental
sites, one representing the semi-arid region (Teligi)
which is in the same AEZ as the project area.
Analysis of RothC output data showed that this
model could be used as a tool to arrive at different
threshold values of rainfall to influence
decomposition rate modifier and thus to find out
rate of organic carbon sequestration in various
bioclimatic systems.
72 State of biofertilizers and organic fertilizers in India, 2022, Centre for Science and Environment,
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjN7u2m7c79AhVD5H
MBHS9aBV0QFnoECAoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cseindia.org%2Fstate-of-biofertilizers-and-organic-fertilizers-in-india11235&usg=AOvVaw1aJfRWbiN-nCyB4IDKGLa5
73 http://jeb.co.in/journal_issues/202301_jan23/paper_03.pdf
41
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
VCS VT0001 Tool for the Demonstration and Assessment of Additionality in VCS Agriculture,
Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) Project Activities, version 3.0
a) AFOLU activities the same or similar to the
proposed project activity on the land within
the proposed project boundary performed
with or without being registered as the VCS
AFOLU project shall not lead to violation of any
applicable law even if the law is not enforced;
None of the AFOLU activities, same or similar
to the proposed project activity on the land
within the proposed project boundary,
whether or not registered as a project do not
lead to violation of any applicable law.
b) The use of this tool to determine
additionality
requires
the
baseline
methodology to provide for a stepwise
approach justifying the determination of the
most plausible baseline scenario. Project
proponent(s) proposing new baseline
methodologies shall ensure consistency
between the determination of a baseline
scenario and the determination of
additionality of a project activity
The project will apply the stepwise approach
justifying the determination of the most
plausible baseline scenario. The project will
not propose a new baseline methodology
CDM Tool for the identification of degraded or degrading lands for consideration in implementing
CDM A/R project activities, version 01
NA
CDM Tool: Estimation of direct nitrous oxide emission from nitrogen fertilization, version 01
A/R CDM project activities are implemented
on wetlands;
The project will not be implemented on
drylands. All plots under the project will be
upland plots.
Flooding irrigation or any flood has occurred
within period of 3 months from date of
fertilization.
Flooding does not occur on the farmer plots
under the project.
CDM Tool: Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks of trees and shrubs in A/R
CDM project activities”, version 04.2
NA
42
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
Tool: Estimation of direct nitrous oxide emission from N-fixing species and crop residues (Section
VI.1 of the SALM methodology)
NA
Tool: Estimation of emissions from the use of fossil fuels in agricultural management (Section
VI.2 of the SALM methodology)
NA
Tool: Estimation of non-CO2 emissions from the burning of crop residues (Section VI.3 of the
SALM methodology)
NA
CDM Tool for testing significance of GHG emissions in A/R CDM project activities, version 01.
The tool shall be used in the application of an
A/R CDM approved methodology to an A/R
CDM project activity:
3.3
The tool is applied in a VCS approved
methodology VM0017 V1 which states to use
the tool to determine which decreases in
carbon pools, and increases in emissions of
the greenhouse gases measured in CO2
equivalents
that
result
from
the
implementation of a project activity, are
insignificant and can be neglected, and to
ensure that it is valid to neglect decreases in
carbon pools and increases in GHG emissions
by sources stated as being insignificant in the
applicability conditions of the methodology.
Project Boundary
Left blank intentionally as per Section 3.1.3 of the Registration and Issuance Process v4.3.
3.4
Baseline Scenario
Left blank intentionally as per Section 3.1.3 of the Registration and Issuance Process v4.3.
3.5
Additionality
Left blank intentionally as per Section 3.1.3 of the Registration and Issuance Process v4.3.
43
Project Description: VCS Version 4.2
3.6
Methodology Deviations
Left blank intentionally as per Section 3.1.3 of the Registration and Issuance Process v4.3.
4 QUANTIFICATION OF GHG EMISSION
REDUCTIONS AND REMOVALS
4.1
Baseline Emissions
Left blank intentionally as per Section 3.1.3 of the Registration and Issuance Process v4.3.
4.2
Project Emissions
Left blank intentionally as per Section 3.1.3 of the Registration and Issuance Process v4.3.
4.3
Leakage
Left blank intentionally as per Section 3.1.3 of the Registration and Issuance Process v4.3.
4.4
Net GHG Emission Reductions and Removals
Left blank intentionally as per Section 3.1.3 of the Registration and Issuance Process v4.3.
5 MONITORING
5.1
Data and Parameters Available at Validation
Left blank intentionally as per Section 3.1.3 of the Registration and Issuance Process v4.3.
5.2
Data and Parameters Monitored
Left blank intentionally as per Section 3.1.3 of the Registration and Issuance Process v4.3.
5.3
Monitoring Plan
Left blank intentionally as per Section 3.1.3 of the Registration and Issuance Process v4.3.
44
APPENDIX
Use appendices for supporting information. Delete this appendix (title and instructions) where no
appendix is required.