Agriculture is one of the largest industries in the Indian subcontinent, directly supporting the livelihoods of over 1.5 billion people. The Indo-Gangetic Plains of India serve as the grain belt of the country, producing substantial amounts of wheat and rice. However, over the last century, agriculture has rapidly intensified. Unsustainable farming practices such as stubble burning have entered the mainstream, leading to rapid soil degradation, soil infertility, and increased carbon dioxide emissions.
In collaboration with local organizations in India, Boomitra promotes agricultural practices that restore soil health and increase the capacity for carbon capture. These improved practices include reduced tillage, crop residue management, improved water management, crop rotations, and more. This, in turn, promotes biodiversity, restoring habitats for flora and fauna and preserving ecosystem services upon which communities depend. VCUs may be issued for the greenhouse gas emission reductions and removals associated with the production of cereals, grains, pulses, sugars, fibers, and other crops in this region.
Climate, Community, and Biodiversity
This project has many benefits for the community and biodiversity. Improved agricultural practices promote the regeneration of degraded lands, preventing desertification and improving land productivity. Improved soil health, water quality, and yields ensure that farmers are better equipped to sustain their livelihoods, preventing prospective changes in land use. Thus, crucial habitats for the flora and fauna of the region are also preserved.
Increased carbon drawdown translates to internationally certified carbon credits, the revenue from which ensures an additional source of livelihood for the farmer. The supermajority share of the carbon finance generated is routed to the farmer, setting up an opportunity to reinvest in themselves and their community. By prioritizing soil health, a virtuous cycle is created that benefits both the environment and agricultural productivity.
This project contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
