India’s First Soil Carbon Payments Put Farmers at the Centre of Regenerative Agriculture

India has launched its first soil carbon payments for regenerative agriculture, with over ₹2.9 crore being digitally disbursed to more than 2,500 smallholder farmers in Punjab and Haryana. Implemented through the 'Aadi' farmer carbon programme by Grow Indigo with technical guidance from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the initiative rewards farmers adopting sustainable practices such as Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), reduced tillage, and crop residue management between 2019 and 2022. The programme utilizes the Verra VM0042 methodology to measure, verify, and issue agricultural carbon credits. It aims to generate additional income opportunities for smallholders while promoting water conservation, soil health, climate resilience, and a reduction in stubble burning and associated air pollution.