New Delhi, October 30, 2025: In a major milestone for climate innovation, Varaha, Asia’s leading carbon removal project developer, has announced the issuance of its first Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) credits under the Puro.earth registry, marking the first-ever ERW credit issuance in Asia and the third globally. This achievement positions India and its smallholder farmers at the forefront of global carbon removal innovation.
The issuance originates from Varaha’s first ERW deployment in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, involving cotton-growing smallholder farmers. The process uses finely ground basalt rock powder, a waste byproduct from stone crushing units, to permanently remove atmospheric CO₂ by converting it into stable bicarbonates. The ultra-fine basalt particles enhance dissolution and make it easier to quantify the carbon sequestration achieved.
Beyond its climate benefits, the ERW project is delivering tangible gains for agriculture. The basalt powder helps neutralize soil acidity, enhances nutrient availability, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers—lowering input costs and improving yields. Following early success, Varaha has scaled up to deploy 100,000 tons of basalt powder across smallholder cotton farms in India, boosting both carbon drawdown and soil productivity. The basalt is provided free of cost to farmers, with Varaha covering sourcing, transport, and application.
Madhur Jain, Co-founder & CEO, Varaha, said: “This issuance is not just a validation of our science, but also a testament to how climate action can be deeply inclusive. By turning local waste into a global climate solution, we are showing how the path to a cleaner planet runs through the hands of smallholder farmers.”
The project combines robust scientific methods, digital monitoring systems, and farmer engagement to ensure measurable and verifiable impact. Certification by Puro.earth guarantees transparency and integrity, aligning with global carbon removal standards.
Benno Fuchs, Chief Operating Officer, Puro.earth, commented: “Varaha has proven to be a perfect example of Puro’s vision to grow the CDR market—not just by growing each individual project itself but also by growing the number of methodologies in their portfolio of projects. It’s been a pleasure to be working with such a driven team and I’m looking forward to growing an impact together with Varaha even more in future!”
This milestone places Varaha and India prominently on the world map of carbon removal technologies. The Khargone ERW project will serve as a model for expansion across India, transforming farmlands into carbon sinks while driving rural resilience and sustainability.
