Nadia KVK Becomes India’s First Net Zero Certified Agricultural Hub

===. This milestone was achieved through a collaboration between ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, and Inhana Organic Research Foundation (IORF), recognized with a Sustainable Agriculture Carbon Footprint Certificate by i-NoCarbon Limited. Dr. A.K. Patra, Vice-Chancellor of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, presented the certificate at a meeting attended by key officials. The KVK achieved a carbon footprint of -74.99 metric tonnes of CO₂e, showcasing its commitment to sustainable farming.

The Clean Food Net Zero (CFNZ) Model played a key role in this success, promoting pesticide-free farming and reducing emissions. Dr. Pradip Dey introduced ACFA, India’s first carbon assessment tool, which follows international standards for accurate calculations. This achievement serves as a model for 731 KVKs across India, promoting a sustainable agricultural future.

Nadia KVK Becomes India’s First Net Zero Certified Agricultural Hub

On March 11, 2025, Nadia Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), which is linked to Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya and managed by ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) in Kolkata, made history by becoming India’s first Net Zero certified agricultural hub. This significant achievement resulted from a partnership between ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, and the Inhana Organic Research Foundation (IORF), also based in Kolkata. The certification was awarded by i-NoCarbon Limited, a UK-based organization, which granted the Sustainable Agriculture Carbon Footprint Certificate to Nadia KVK.

The certificate was officially handed over by Dr. A.K. Patra, the Vice-Chancellor of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, during the 19th Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting of Nadia KVK. The event was attended by several notable figures, including Shri S. Arun Prasad, IAS, the District Magistrate of Krishnanagar, Dr. Avijit Samanta, the SDO of Kalyani, Dr. P. Das Biswas, the Director of IORF, and Dr. S.B. Goswami, the Director of DEE, BCKV.

Dr. Patra commended the KVK team for their remarkable achievement of a negative carbon footprint of -74.99 metric tonnes of CO₂e. He emphasized their commitment to sustainable farming practices and highlighted how this accomplishment positions Nadia KVK as a leading example of India’s “Make in India” initiative. He also noted that this success sets a global benchmark for voluntary carbon market projects, showcasing India’s potential in sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Biswas, the Director of IORF, attributed this success to the Clean Food Net Zero (CFNZ) Model. This model promotes pesticide-free farming and uses Novcom compost, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhances carbon storage in plants. Dr. Biswas explained that the KVK Net Zero Model, combined with the CFNZ Program, provides a scalable framework for various initiatives, including corporate social responsibility (CSR), Net Zero compliance, carbon credit generation, and soil restoration. This approach not only benefits the environment but also supports farmers in adopting eco-friendly practices.

Dr. Pradip Dey, the Director of ICAR-ATARI Kolkata, highlighted the role of ACFA Version 1.0, India’s first indigenous carbon assessment tool. ACFA is designed to align with international standards such as the IPCC guidelines, the GHG Protocol, ISO 14064-1, and PAS 2050, ensuring the accurate measurement of carbon footprints. Dr. Dey also mentioned the advancements in ACFA Version 2.0, which offers improved capabilities for carbon assessments and supports sustainability programs like the Regenerative Tea Initiative. These tools are crucial for helping agricultural institutions measure and reduce their carbon emissions effectively.

The achievement of Nadia KVK is expected to inspire the 731 KVKs across India to adopt similar sustainable practices. By setting an example, Nadia KVK is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future in the country. This milestone not only demonstrates the potential of Indian agriculture to contribute to global climate goals but also highlights the importance of collaboration between research institutions, government bodies, and private organizations in achieving Net Zero targets.

In summary, Nadia KVK’s certification as India’s first Net Zero agricultural hub is a groundbreaking achievement. It reflects the dedication of the KVK team, the effectiveness of the CFNZ Model, and the innovative use of tools like ACFA. This success story is a testament to India’s commitment to sustainable farming and its ability to lead by example in the global effort to combat climate change. As other KVKs and agricultural institutions follow suit, India is poised to make significant strides toward a greener and more sustainable future.