Indian Farmers Unlock a New Harvest as Grow Indigo’s First High-Integrity Soil Carbon Credits Reach Issuance

Verra’s first VM0042 soil carbon program-based issuance in India—and first available to smallholder farmers- opens a scalable pathway for buyers seeking credible, farmer-positive climate impact

NEW DELHI, INDIA - Jan. 15, 2026 -- Indian agriculture has reached a major milestone with the approval of Aadi project (VCS 2590), a regenerative agriculture soil-carbon project developed by Grow Indigo under the world’s leading voluntary carbon standard, Verra.

This approval confirms that high-integrity, science-led soil carbon credits can be delivered at scale in India, creating a new income stream for smallholder farmers while restoring soil health and resilience.

For farmers across Punjab and Haryana in northern India, the impact is tangible. Alongside traditional crop yields, the Aadi project introduces a credible, performance-linked new revenue stream tied directly to improved land management. By adopting regenerative practices that improve soil organic carbon, optimize inputs, and reduce emissions, farmers strengthen long-term productivity and resilience – helping protect livelihoods as climate volatility increases. 75% of carbon credit proceeds flow directly back to farmers, with first payments expected in the coming months.

For global companies and investors seeking trustworthy, soil-based climate solutions, this milestone sends a clear signal: rigorous agricultural credits are achievable in emerging markets with transparency and integrity. The Aadi Project has undergone a demanding multi-year audit and review cycle, anchored in robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) – a process that matters to buyers prioritizing credibility, traceability, and real-world outcomes.

“These internationally recognized carbon credits will increase farmer incomes, while improving soil health. It represents another important chapter in Grow Indigo’s mission to measurably improve the lives of India’s farmers through science-led, scalable climate solutions.” Said Grow Indigo’s Executive Director, Dr. Usha Barwale Zehr.

The first issuance covers approximately 30,000 acres across Punjab and Haryana, generating more than 50,000 carbon credits. The program is built to scale: Grow Indigo’s existing regenerative agriculture footprint already spans over one million acres with thousands of participating farmers, with a pathway to expand to more than three million acres, offering buyers long-term, reliable supply of SDG aligned credits.

Globally, the issuance is notable as the first in Asia under Verra’s VM0042 methodology and one of the first smallholder system issuances worldwide under this standard. VM0042 is widely regarded as among the most rigorous methodologies for improved agricultural land management and soil carbon outcomes, setting a high bar for permanence, additionality, and transparency.

At maturity, the Aadi project will deliver over 4 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent annually across emission reductions and removals, while increasing farmer incomes by an estimated ~7% through carbon revenue. Beyond carbon, the project delivers co-benefits
that matter to buyers and supply-chain leaders: healthier soils, reduced water use, reduced input dependency, stronger farm resilience, and improved public health — outcomes that underpin durable climate value.

For food, agriculture, and consumer companies, Aadi offers a practical, farmer-first pathway to invest in on-farm climate action that strengthens supply chains while delivering verified climate outcomes and long-term land stewardship.

The Grow Indigo team looks forward to engaging interested buyers on current and future issuances from the Aadi Project, as well as its broader portfolio of nature-based climate solutions spanning key crops, biochar, irrigation management for rice, and multiple geographies across India.

Farmers, partners, and buyers interested in learning more are encouraged to connect with Grow Indigo. For any queries, contact: archit.batra@growindigo.co.in [Mobile: 9888397973]