Hello, tech enthusiasts! Today we’re diving into how a clever startup is making waves in the fight against climate change.
Based in New York, Mitti Labs has created technology to track methane emissions from rice paddies. The goal? Train farmers in eco-friendly methods that can truly make a difference.
This ambitious project is a prime example of how collaboration can amplify impact. Mitti Labs joins hands with The Nature Conservancy to encourage sustainable, no-burn farming practices across India.
Using its AI tools, the startup helps verify and report the progress of farmers adopting greener techniques. A key part of their strategy involves satellite imagery and radar, which monitor underground microbial activity responsible for methane production, even through cloud cover or waterlogged fields.
Most rice farms in Asia are small, making on-the-ground monitoring expensive. Mitti’s remote sensing tech keeps costs manageable, allowing millions of smallholders to benefit from climate-smart farming. Partnerships ensure these tools reach far beyond India, extending their positive effects throughout the region.
Beyond methane measurement, Mitti Labs plans to develop software that enables other organizations to track Scope 3 emissions—those from supply chains they don’t directly control—making this a versatile SaaS solution.
Their work is part of a broader effort, alongside companies like Mati Carbon, which develop similar software for soil carbon removal projects. Mitti earns revenue by tracking carbon credits generated from improved farming practices, sharing a percentage with farmers that often boosts their income about 15%.
This innovative use of satellite and radar data helps assess methane emissions efficiently from flooded rice paddies where microbial activity produces potent greenhouse gases. Since rice fields account for around 10-12% of human-caused methane emissions, this approach could significantly mitigate climate impact.
With most rice farming happening among smallholders, this tech reduces the need for costly physical equipment, enabling widespread adoption and helping millions of farmers adopt climate-friendly practices—an essential step in combating global warming.