Smart Net-Zero

October 4, 2025 | Global Agriculture |

Nadia Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) has become India’s first Net Zero–certified agricultural science center, achieving a verified –74.99 tCO₂e net carbon footprint, certified by i-NoCarbon Limited (UK). The milestone was achieved through India’s first indigenous carbon accounting methodology, ACFA Version 1.0, combined with its Clean Food Net Zero Model, which emphasizes natural farming, pesticide-free practices, and reduced fertilizer dependence using Novcom compost. The KVK’s integrated system—from renewable energy use to improved waste and water management—creates a replicable model for low-emission rural institutions. India plans to use the KVK’s experience to scale net-zero approaches across its extension network, while ongoing assessments examine long-term feasibility and the integration of carbon markets.