Scientists of UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and TNAUs Forest College and Research Institute during a recent visit to a farm in Tiruppur district.

| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Scientists of United Nations - Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN-FAO) and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) evaluated carbon credit potential of farmers with small holdings at a recent discussion, laying thrust on regional climate action.At the event coordinated by VETRY NGO, which is at a forefront of a mass greening project Vanathukkul Tiruppur’, its CEO Natraj Muthusamy apprised Balasubramanian, Dean of Forest College and Research Institute, TNAU; and UN-FAO India representatives Krishnan and Vishal of the operational mechanics of the agroforestry footprint of the forestry project under which upto 25 lakh saplings were planted across the Tiruppur district over the last 11 years.During the discussion at Glenmorgan Farm, its owner Kumarasamy joined VETRY NGO team in presenting a data-driven ecological impact assessment, detailing the corollary between mass tree plantation and microclimate, to highlight measurable increases in regional rainfall, a steady rise in local water tables, and a significant revival of local biodiversity.The delegates explored adaptable agroforestry matrices spanning monoculture, polyculture, and strictly native species plantations, and studied VETRY’s dedicated sites for the preservation of Rare, Endangered, and Threatened (RET) botanical species.The technical team evaluated how the ‘Vanathukkul Tiruppur’ project directly empowers the local farming community with economic security by integrating high-value timber species and implementing advanced silvopastoral models (blending forestry with livestock grazing), while simultaneously accelerating carbon sequestration.The VETRY NGO had, for the project implementation, taken on board regional civil society bodies, the district administration, TNAU-FCRI, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.The discussion, according to Mr. Natraj, was a way forward for formulating a viable roadmap to transition Tiruppur’s mass farmers into international carbon credit markets. Published - July 20, 2026 08:02 pm IST