Panelists dissect carbon markets opportunities for smallholder farmers

Leveraging carbon markets to create new revenue streams for smallholder farmers, while simultaneously promoting sustainable farming, was the focus of a key discussion at last week’s Startup Mahakumbh.

Impact investor Aavishkaar Carbon Platform partner and chief executive Sanchayan Chakraborty and Intellecap partner and managing director Santosh Kumar Singh led the discussion, titled “Tapping the Carbon Markets for Smallholder Farmers,” exploring how carbon credits could transform the agricultural landscape by incentivizing eco-friendly farming practices.

Investors, policymakers, startups and their founders converged at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi for the second edition of the Startup Mahakumbh, hosted between 3 to 5 April.

Industry bodies including Ficci, Assocham, and Nasscom, and backed by governmental entities such as SIDBI and MeitY turned up to get a glimpse of the agricultural innovations that are reshaping India’s farming landscape, the organizers said.

Rural development bank NABARD chairman Shaji K.V. spoke on harnessing the $1 trillion opportunity in rural commerce in one of the panel discussions.

Krishi Kalpa Foundation chief C.M. Patil made a compelling call to founders to focus on building their models for sustainability rather than short-term investor appeal, emphasizing long-term commitment in the sector.

The SBI Foundation also shared its strategic vision for supporting startups, underscoring a commitment to fostering advancements that blend economic viability with environmental sustainability, the organizers added.

The event featured an impromptu pitch competition where agritech entrepreneurs showcased their innovative solutions, with Everge Agroscience and Agrolt Solutions emerging as winners.

Startups such as AgroStar, Marut Dronetech, and others also gave a glimpse into their latest technologies in precision agriculture, farm mechanization, and sustainable practices in the agritech section.