Farmers are affected the most due to extreme climatic changes. Witnessing one such accident, Aadith decided to do something to benefit both environment and farmers. This is how Boomitra’s Soil Carbon Capture Solution was introduced. Partnering with over 150,000 farmers globally and with $6 million in seed investments, the company uses satellite tech and AI to monitor soil carbon, providing verified carbon removal credits, enabling carbon offset and supporting farmers.
Boomitra’s mission is to boost carbon sequestration in agricultural soil by collaborating with over 150,000 farmers and ranchers in Africa, South America, and Asia. Through regenerative land practices, the company works towards its goal of being a true friend of the earth, as its name signifies in Sanskrit. The company offers carbon credits for sale to companies and governments aiming to neutralize their carbon emissions, with the majority of the revenue from each credit directly benefiting farmers and ranchers.
Proponents assert that implementing sustainable practices can enhance soil health, resulting in the sequestration of carbon in the land. Boomitra employs satellite technology and AI to track the rise in carbon levels in soil as farmers adopt regenerative techniques. These carbon increases are subsequently verified by third parties and classified as carbon removal credits.
How Boomitra’s Soil Carbon Capture Solution for Farmers Started?
In 2016, during a journey to a distant village in southern India, Aadith Moorthy had a haunting experience. He witnessed a funeral procession that left an indelible mark on him. The procession of a desperate farmer who had tragically ended his own life. Little did he know at the time that the root cause of this calamity was the crippling impact of diminishing monsoon rains on crop yields in the region.
This event compelled Aadith to contemplate the dire consequences climate change could unleash upon farmers in the future. It sparked a fervent desire within him to explore how technology could be harnessed and deployed to combat the devastating effects of climate change.
This is also the reason why Moorthy founded Boomitra. It is based in San Mateo, California, and is leading the way in establishing a new business model for carbon sequestration to improve soil for farming to reward farmers for implementing sustainable soil practices through its innovative international soil carbon marketplace.
Why is Carbon Storage the Best Option?
According to the IPCC, carbon storage in soils is deemed the most cost-effective method to reduce carbon dioxide, with a potential range between $0 and $100 per ton. By implementing this practice, it is estimated that between two and five gigatons of carbon dioxide could be eliminated annually by 2050. To put this into perspective, global power plants collectively emitted 32.5 gigatons of CO2 in 2017.
Also See: How Many Carbon Credits per Acre of Trees?
How Can Carbon Levels be Increased in Soil?
10% of the world’s land is occupied by cropland, and embracing regenerative practices is a powerful way to sequester carbon in the soil. For instance, by planting cover crops such as clover, beans, and peas after the main crop is harvested, farmers can increase carbon levels in agricultural soils and promote year-round carbon storage. Similarly, reducing soil tillage helps prevent the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere.
Boomitra aims to facilitate these strategic changes through the power of technology. By utilizing a specially designed app, farmers will be able to monitor soil carbon levels, as well as keep track of their cover crops and soil tillage practices, all under the guidance of Boomitra. This innovative concept has also captured the attention of investors, with Chevron Technology Ventures and SVG Ventures-Thrive contributing $6 million in seed funding towards Boomitra’s vision.
Do you know sequestration of agricultural fixed carbon is a key to sustainable farming?
About the Founder
Aadith is an accomplished scholar having been awarded the prestigious Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholarship and holds graduate degrees from Stanford alongside dual bachelor’s degrees from the California Institute of Technology. Aadith’s exceptional skills and outstanding leadership in the world of AI have rightfully positioned him as one of the leading founders in the AI industry.
Boomitra’s Soil Carbon Capture Solution for farmers is currently in its initial stages of accomplishing its mission. At present, the projects are undergoing third-party certification. Once this verification process is complete in the upcoming months, the company assures Quartz that the necessary funds will be allocated to the hard-working farmers and ranchers.
