GS23737- VPA 1- Promoting Regenerative Agricultural Practices for Restoration of Farmlands, Carbon Sequestration and Enhanced Smallholder Livelihood in Maharashtra

The Voluntary Project Activity (VPA) in Maharashtra aims to accelerate the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices that improve soil health, increase soil organic carbon sequestration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen the climate resilience of participating farming communities. Implemented under the Gold Standard Programme of Activities (PoA), the VPA will enable eligible farmers in Maharashtra to adopt sustainable land-management practices and access international voluntary carbon markets. Verified emission reductions and carbon removals generated through these practices will create an additional source of financial benefit for participating farmers. The Maharashtra VPA is the first activity proposed under the PoA. It will be implemented within the state in accordance with Gold Standard requirements, including the applicable methodology, eligibility criteria, monitoring, reporting and verification procedures. Additional VPAs may subsequently be developed under the same PoA in other Indian states and union territories, subject to the relevant Gold Standard requirements. Farmers voluntarily enrol in the programme and commit to adopting approved regenerative