First PRAMAAN Certificates Handed Over: India's Forest and Wood Certification Scheme Begins

What Happened

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, handed over the first PRAMAAN certificates in New Delhi on 29 September 2026. The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, organised the event. IIFM runs the scheme as its operating agency.

Two recipients got the first certificates. The Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation (APFDC) received one for its plantations spread over 33,000 hectares. A farmer working with the Odisha Bamboo Development Agency (OBDA) received the other. Both plantations went through a detailed field and management audit before getting certified.

Senior officers from the Ministry, State Forest Departments, certification bodies and industry attended the event.

PRAMAAN helps Indian producers, exporters and forest-based businesses meet new global rules. Big international markets now ask for proof that timber is sourced responsibly and does not cause deforestation. This certificate gives you that proof.

For farmers and forest communities, the scheme works like a livelihood mission. It brings rural and tribal communities, small farmers and forest-dependent families into a clear, verifiable system. That opens the door to premium markets without piling on extra paperwork. Women Self Help Groups and small landholders who collect or process non-timber forest produce can benefit too.

The Minister said PRAMAAN supports India's journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047. It shows an India that grows economically while protecting its ecology. He urged certification bodies, state forest departments, tree growers, farmer producer organisations and industries to join in.

Key Points

• The first PRAMAAN certificates were handed over in New Delhi on 29 September 2026.
• APFDC got a certificate for plantations covering 33,000 hectares.
• A farmer linked to the Odisha Bamboo Development Agency also received a certificate.
• The Ministry launched IFWCS in December 2023, and these certificates mark its move to field-level work.
• Certification relies on independent audits, not on self-declaration alone.
• Forest Management certification follows the Indian Forest Management Standard, part of the National Working Plan Code 2023.
• Certification bodies must be accredited by NABCB under the Quality Council of India.