CRIA recently met with the Project Director of the Government of Maharashtra’s Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (PoCRA) 2.0 to explore potential collaboration on biochar-based interventions under the programme.

PoCRA 2.0, being implemented with support from the World Bank, is a major climate-resilient agriculture initiative with an estimated project cost of USD 700 million, including a USD 490 million commitment from the World Bank. The programme will run over six years beginning in 2025 and aims to strengthen the resilience and profitability of smallholder farmers across climate-vulnerable districts in Maharashtra.

The discussion focused on the opportunity to pilot biochar projects within PoCRA’s climate-resilient agriculture framework. With biochar already recognised within the programme’s intervention portfolio, such pilots could help strengthen soil health, improve water retention, enhance crop productivity, and contribute to long-term carbon sequestration.

CRIA looks forward to continued dialogue with PoCRA and partners to explore how durable carbon removal approaches can support climate-resilient agriculture in India.