The useful question is what changes for users, developers or buyers, and whether the announcement stays industry context or becomes something people can actually use.

Verra’s VM0042 soil carbon program has issued its first credits in India through the Aadi project (VCS 2590), developed by Grow Indigo. This marks the first issuance of soil carbon credits available to smallholder farmers in the country, validated under the world’s leading voluntary carbon standard. The project demonstrates that credible, science-based soil carbon credits can be generated at scale while supporting farmer livelihoods and environmental restoration in northern India.

The Aadi project covers approximately 30,000 acres across Punjab and Haryana, generating over 50,000 carbon credits. Farmers adopting regenerative practices—such as improving soil organic carbon and optimizing inputs—receive performance-linked payments tied to verified outcomes. Seventy-five percent of credit proceeds flow directly to farmers, with first payments expected in early 2026, providing a new revenue stream alongside traditional crop yields.

The project’s rigorous monitoring, reporting, and verification process ensures transparency and traceability, meeting high standards for permanence, additionality, and real-world impact. At full scale, the Aadi project aims to deliver over 4 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent annually while increasing farmer incomes by an estimated 7% through carbon revenue. The methodology used, VM0042, is recognized as one of the most stringent for agricultural land management and soil carbon outcomes.

Grow Indigo plans to expand the program to over three million acres, offering buyers a reliable supply of SDG-aligned credits. The initiative provides co-benefits such as reduced water use, lower input dependency, and stronger farm resilience. Interested farmers, partners, and buyers can contact Grow Indigo for participation or inquiries at archit.batra@growindigo.co.in.