How Varaha is turning healthy soil into a profitable climate startup

Climate technology startups are increasingly creating solutions that address both environmental and economic challenges.

Among them, Gurugram-based Varaha has emerged as a fast-growing venture that helps small farmers earn additional income while promoting sustainable agriculture.

Founded in 2022 by Ankita Garg, Madhur Jain, and Vishal Kuchanur, Varaha connects farmers with global carbon markets.

The startup enables them to adopt regenerative farming practices that improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In return, the carbon savings generate credits that companies such as Google and Microsoft purchase to offset their emissions. A portion of this revenue is then shared with participating farmers.

The founders identified a major gap in climate finance. Although sustainable farming was encouraged, farmers lacked financial incentives to adopt new practices.

Therefore, Varaha built a model that rewards farmers from the first year while gradually improving soil productivity.

The startup works closely with farming communities through field teams, NGOs, and local partners. After enrolment, each farm is digitally mapped using the company’s mobile application, Vann.

Soil conditions are assessed before farmers receive customised recommendations, including reduced tillage, agroforestry, biochar application, or enhanced rock weathering. Varaha also provides the required resources to support implementation.

Technology forms the backbone of the business. Artificial intelligence, satellite imagery, and remote sensing continuously monitor farms instead of relying on periodic manual inspections.

Scientific models estimate carbon removal, while independent audits verify the results before carbon credits are issued through recognised global registries.

Since its launch, Varaha has expanded beyond India into Nepal, Bangladesh, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Today, the startup works with more than two lakh farmers, including over one lakh enrolled in its regenerative agriculture and afforestation programmes.

The company’s growth has attracted strong investor confidence. Varaha has raised more than $50 million and secured an additional $30 million commitment from climate investor Mirova to expand its Kheti regenerative agriculture programme.

Across more than 20 active projects, the startup says it has helped sequester over 2 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent, brought 1.1 million acres under climate-friendly practices, generated more than 2,600 jobs, and conserved millions of litres of water.

Varaha has also earned global recognition, including a place on the TIME 100 Climate 2024 list, Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2024, and the World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer programme.

Looking ahead, the startup aims to remove one billion tonnes of carbon by 2030 while expanding climate-smart agriculture to millions of smallholder farmers.

By combining technology, finance, and sustainable farming, Varaha is building a scalable business that benefits both agriculture and the environment.

Image Credit: Varaha Website Screenshot

Image Reference: https://www.varaha.earth/