Rice farming is a crucial industry that feeds more than half of the world’s population. However, traditional rice cultivation methods contribute to significant methane emissions and water wastage, which are harmful to the environment. Mitti Labs, co-founded by Xavier Laguarta and Devdut Dalal, aims to address these issues by using technology solutions to reduce methane emissions by 50% and water consumption by 30% in rice farming.
The startup, headquartered in New York City with a subsidiary in Bengaluru, has raised $3 million in equity investment to support its mission. By utilizing high-resolution satellite imagery and on-ground gas chambers, Mitti Labs can measure emissions and implement sustainable farming techniques to reduce the environmental impact of rice farming. The team works with not-for-profit organizations and food processing companies to launch projects across India, covering 30,000 hectares and cutting 120,000 metric tonnes of CO2e emissions.
In addition to environmental benefits, Mitti Labs also aims to help smallholder farmers increase their annual incomes by up to 30% by enabling them to earn money from carbon credits. The startup provides support and advice to farmers, ensuring that the transition to sustainable farming practices is smooth and aligned with the needs of local communities. By working closely with implementation partners, Mitti Labs can tailor its approach to different villages and ensure behavior change among farmers.
On the technological front, Mitti Labs utilizes a remote-sensing platform that combines satellite imagery with greenhouse gas chambers to measure climate impact accurately. The startup collaborates with research institutions like Cornell University and the International Rice Research Institute to validate its measurement practices and provide confidence to buyers interested in purchasing carbon credits. Mitti Labs currently works with Gold Standard for issuing carbon credits but may expand to Verra as it scales its business.
While the process of converting carbon credits into real money takes time, Mitti Labs is focused on ensuring that farmers benefit significantly from sustainable farming practices. The startup plans to expand geographically into countries like Bangladesh, Thailand, and Vietnam, but India will remain its primary market. With the support of investors and carbon offset buyers, Mitti Labs aims to launch more projects and make a positive impact on the environment and the livelihoods of rice farmers.
In a market where sustainability is gaining importance, Mitti Labs stands out for its commitment to becoming the best in rice farming. By focusing on one crop and working diligently to improve farming practices, the startup aims to create a significant impact on the agricultural industry. With the support of investors like Lightspeed and Voyager, Mitti Labs is well-positioned to achieve its goals and drive positive change in the rice farming sector.
