Founded in 2022 by Madhur Jain, Ankita Garg, and Vishal Kuchanur, Varaha is a groundbreaking climate tech startup on a mission to reverse climate change through nature-based interventions.
With a bold vision to sequester one billion tonnes of carbon by 2030, Varaha is positioning itself as one of the leaders in the global effort to combat the climate crisis.
Addressing a Global Challenge
Climate change has become one of the most pressing challenges of our time, threatening ecosystems, livelihoods, and the very fabric of life on Earth.
As governments and organizations worldwide strive to meet net-zero emissions targets, the need for effective and scalable solutions has never been more critical.
Varaha tackles this challenge head-on by focusing on creating high-integrity carbon credits from nature-based solutions such as regenerative agriculture, afforestation, reforestation, and biochar production.
The startup connects carbon removal projects with companies looking to fulfill their emission reduction commitments, offering a comprehensive suite of services that includes project development, carbon credit quantification, verification, and sales.
Through meticulous vetting using advanced remote sensing analytics and carbon modeling, Varaha ensures that every investment contributes meaningfully to carbon removal while also providing additional income streams for smallholder farmers.
A Journey of Innovation
Varaha’s journey began in 2021, with the founders laying the groundwork for a startup dedicated to climate-positive practices.
Extensive research helped them understand the climate/carbon credit markets and the motivations that could drive communities to adopt sustainable practices.
By early 2022, they had incorporated the company and launched full-scale operations across several Indian states, backed by a diverse and experienced team.
The startup raised a pre-seed funding round in May 2022, allowing it to expand its reach and capabilities.
By the end of that year, Varaha had secured partnerships with various Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and listed projects on the Verra Standard, a globally recognized registry for carbon credits.
Varaha’s commitment to harnessing technology for climate action is evident in its SaaS-based Digital MRV platform, which utilizes remote sensing, carbon modeling, and an in-house developed Carbon Quantification Tool (CQT) to facilitate accurate measurement, reporting, and verification of carbon credits at scale.
Nature-Based Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Varaha is at the forefront of leveraging nature-based solutions to address the dual challenges of climate change and sustainable development.
Through a diverse array of initiatives, the startup is working to restore ecosystems, capture carbon, and improve livelihoods while ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits.
- Afforestation, Reforestation & Revegetation (ARR): Varaha’s ARR projects focus on restoring degraded lands by planting diverse native tree species across developing regions, particularly in the global South. These efforts not only help sequester significant amounts of carbon but also improve biodiversity and ecosystem health. By working with smallholder farmers, Varaha ensures that these initiatives directly benefit local communities.
- Regenerative Agriculture: In India and Kenya, Varaha is driving a shift from traditional farming to regenerative practices, including reduced tillage, crop residue management, and direct seeding. These approaches enhance soil health, boost crop productivity, and capture carbon. Farmers participating in these initiatives can earn additional income from carbon credits, promoting food security and climate resilience.
- High-Tech Biochar Production: Varaha has pioneered producing biochar from invasive species like Prosopis juliflora in Gujarat. This carbon-rich material, applied to soil, enhances fertility and stores carbon for hundreds of years. By converting agricultural waste into biochar using advanced pyrolysis technology, Varaha captures carbon while improving soil health and benefiting the rural economy.
Through these initiatives, Varaha has onboarded over 80,000 farmers and covered more than 700,000 acres, sequestering approximately 1.7 million tonnes of CO₂ and saving 750 million liters of water.
Beyond Carbon Credits
Varaha’s impact extends beyond carbon credits; it also addresses pressing social and environmental issues.
By prioritizing smallholder farmers—who represent the majority of agricultural producers in developing countries—Varaha ensures that 65% to 75% of the income generated from carbon credits is passed on to these communities, helping to alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods.
Additionally, the startup’s nature-based solutions promote biodiversity, improve soil quality, and combat pollution, ultimately contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering a healthier ecosystem.
A Vision for a Net-Zero Future
Varaha’s innovative approach combines technology, community engagement, and environmental stewardship to drive climate-positive actions.
As the startup continues to expand its portfolio and partnerships, it remains committed to its goal of sequestering one billion tonnes of carbon by 2030, making a significant impact in the fight against climate change.
In a world where the urgency to act is paramount, Varaha stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that collective efforts and innovative solutions can pave the way toward a sustainable and net-zero future.
