AI-driven soil carbon initiatives enable smallholder farmers to access global climate finance while regenerating the land.
In a landmark move for sustainable agriculture in India, Boomitra, a global leader in soil carbon removal and a 2023 Earthshot Prize winner, has achieved Verra registration for its Carbon Farming South of the Vindhyas (SOVIN) Project. This milestone marks Boomitra’s fifth Verra-registered soil carbon initiative worldwide and the first in India to utilize the VM0042 methodology, validating a model that combines climate action with smallholder inclusion.
Boomitra’s approach centers on regenerative agricultural practices
Boomitra’s approach centers on regenerative agricultural practices such as intercropping, composting, minimal tillage, and residue management. By doing so, the project empowers 23,015 farmers across more than 88,000 acres to restore soil health, improve yields, and generate additional income through carbon credits. What makes this initiative particularly remarkable is its inclusivity: even farmers managing as little as one acre can participate in international carbon markets, gaining access to global climate finance that was traditionally out of reach.
“This is a major milestone for carbon removal in India,” says Aadith Moorthy, Founder and CEO of Boomitra. “Smallholder farmers feed the world but are often excluded from climate finance. Our project demonstrates that inclusive, scalable solutions are possible.”
The SOVIN project collaborates with over 30 local partners—including agribusinesses, farmer organizations, and textile companies—to provide localized training, outreach, and implementation support. Participating farmers cultivate a variety of crops, from sugarcane and cotton to pulses, maize, groundnut, soybean, and rice, all while adopting regenerative practices that rebuild soil organic matter and enhance moisture retention.
Monitoring and verification of carbon sequestration are powered by Boomitra’s AI-driven, satellite-based MRV system. This innovative technology eliminates the need for costly physical sampling, enabling accurate credit generation even on small, remote plots. The resulting revenue from carbon credits flows directly to communities, incentivizing sustainable practices and reinforcing long-term agricultural resilience.
Boomitra’s pioneering efforts in India are part of a larger global mission: the company has impacted over 100,000 farmers across four continents, covering 5 million acres, and has removed 10 million tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere. By combining technology, inclusivity, and regenerative agriculture, Boomitra demonstrates how climate action can be both environmentally impactful and socially empowering, creating a replicable model for sustainable development worldwide.
