Google's Record Deal with Indian Startup Mitti Labs Targets Rice Methane Emissions for Cleaner Future

Google has signed a major agreement to purchase 1 million carbon credits from the Indian startup Mitti Labs by the year 2030.

This marks the largest publicly announced deal focused on reducing methane from rice farming practices.

Google's Push Toward Net Zero Emissions

The purchase helps Google address its rising greenhouse gas output while it invests in artificial intelligence systems.

Farmers in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will receive payments to shorten the flooding period in rice fields.

Such changes can lower methane releases by around 50 percent and cut water usage by about 40 percent without hurting crop yields.

Mitti Labs uses satellite radar and field data to monitor these changes accurately across many small farms.

Expanding Impact on Water and Farming Communities

The project will eventually cover about 100000 hectares of land at its peak scale.

Most of the revenue from these credits goes directly to local farming families who adopt the new methods.

This approach also supports water conservation in regions where supplies can be limited during dry seasons.

Mitti Labs plans to grow into other Asian countries starting with the Philippines later this year.

The deal signals growing interest in agricultural projects that combine emission cuts with practical benefits for everyday food production.