Hyderabad-based climate-tech startup Sow&Reap Agro Pvt Ltd became the first Indian company to earn carbon credits from the Gold Standard for paddy cultivation. The achievement comes through its flagship project ‘VARRI’, a sustainable rice farming initiative implemented in collaboration with Kosher Climate. The project has successfully generated 37,405 carbon credits, marking a significant milestone in India’s climate action journey.
Transforming Paddy Farming Across Telangana
Over the last three years, Sow&Reap has joined hands with 35,000 farmers across eight districts in Telangana—Jagitial, Karimnagar, Mahbubnagar, Nagar Kurnool, Narayanpet, Peddapalli, Rajanna Sircilla, and Wanaparthy—covering nearly one lakh acres of farmland.
By adopting the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method, farmers have recorded:
*Higher paddy yields
*Reduced water consumption
*Lower fertilizer usage
*Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
This shift has empowered farmers with both economic gains and environmental benefits.
A Blend of Technology and Farmer Participation
Suraj Teja, Founder and CEO of Sow&Reap, credited the milestone to the collective efforts of farmers, partners, and the Agriculture Department, Government of Telangana, for promoting awareness of the AWD method. “By adopting sustainable agricultural practices and leveraging our blockchain-powered DMRV (Digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) solution, we are not only cutting greenhouse gas emissions but also creating new income streams for farmers through carbon credits,” he said.
Scaling Impact for the Future
Building on its success, Sow&Reap plans to generate over one million carbon credits through paddy cultivation within the next two years. This ambition aligns with India’s broader climate goals and demonstrates the potential of technology-driven agriculture to deliver measurable change.
Blockchain-Powered Transparency
At the core of the VARRI project lies Sow&Reap’s proprietary DMRV software, a blockchain-powered platform that ensures end-to-end traceability—from on-field data collection to carbon credit issuance. The project is officially registered with the Gold Standard, a globally recognized certification body for the voluntary carbon market, and validated by Carbon Check.
AWD: A Win-Win for Farmers and the Planet
The AWD method—controlled irrigation cycles instead of continuous flooding—has proven to be both environmentally sustainable and economically viable. It enhances productivity, conserves resources, and reduces emissions, making it a powerful tool for climate-resilient agriculture.
Global Recognition and Commitment
Sow&Reap is also a member of the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA). IETA is a non-profit business organization dedicated to market-based climate policy and carbon trading. IETA brings together companies and associations engaged in advancing carbon markets worldwide. As reported by business-standard.com, Sow&Reap has emerged as a pioneer in India’s green agriculture movement. This achievement sets a precedent for other climate-smart farming initiatives.
