Farmers may soon earn money by storing carbon in their soil, a practice that aids in protecting the planet. This concept, highlighted at the Abu Dhabi Global Food Week (ADFW), envisions a future where sustainable farming not only benefits the Earth but is also economically sustainable through carbon credits for regenerative practices.
“We’re gearing up farmers to earn from carbon credits through organic carbon sequestration in soils — essentially transforming quality soil into income,” stated Satyam Bose, Chairman and CEO of Virenxia Group.
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Bose elaborated that this move towards carbon-linked revenue is part of a broader shift in reskilling farmers for a data-driven, climate-smart economy.
His company’s model combines sustainable bio-inputs, digital soil testing tools, and AI-based advisory systems to assist farmers in making real-time decisions. However, the human element remains crucial. “Technology doesn’t change farming — people do,” he noted.
New Culture of Innovation
To illustrate this transformation, Bose shared the journey of Ajay Chauva, a young agricultural graduate from Maharashtra, India, who joined their training program. “Ajay came to us after his Agri-degree, full of curiosity. We trained him on our systems, taught him to use AgriTMS, interpret data, apply our omics bio-input products, and effectively collaborate with farmers,” Bose explained.
The outcomes were impressive; “fast forward, Ajay now runs his own business. He’s become the data expert in his village, gaining admiration. He profits from his sales and services, while local farmers benefit from healthier crops and better yields,” Bose described.
In that farming community, digital literacy and shared learning have fostered a new innovation culture. “Now, when I visit, I hear farmers discussing drone schedules, macrobiotic activity, and soil organic carbon like cricket scores,” he pointed out. “This is what transformation looks like—growing from the ground up.”
Overcoming Challenges
Bose highlighted similarities between rural India and the UAE’s highly controlled agricultural systems, noting that despite different conditions, both face the challenge of embracing data without losing traditional wisdom. “In India, we work with small farms, where every decision is critical. In the UAE, we deal with some of the harshest environments — desert climates where every drop of water matters,” he said.
“How do we help both regions become comfortable with data and digital decisions while maintaining their generational instincts and experience?” he questioned.
To assist regional farmers, new systems are being integrated into greenhouses, providing real-time soil and water data directly to growers’ phones. “Imagine a farm owner in Abu Dhabi, sipping coffee, while their phone shows soil pH and EC levels are optimal. That’s comfort farming,” he remarked.
Data-Driven Decisions
This shift is changing farmers’ self-perception. “Reskilling farmers isn’t just about teaching them to use drones or apps. It’s about transforming their self-view. When farmers realize they can make data-backed decisions, they grow better crops and immensely in confidence,” Bose concluded.
This confidence is attracting youth back to agriculture. “We’re witnessing a new generation of farmers who can operate drones in the morning and negotiate fertilizer prices by evening.” Modern farmers will “wear two hats — one of straw and one powered by silicon,” he added. “They’ll harvest crops and data. With the right tools, training, and trust, they won’t just grow crops — they’ll cultivate communities, resilience, and a prosperous future.”
Bose’s remarks were made at the AgriTech Forum during ADFW 2025. The annual event covers various topics, including food innovation, modern agriculture technologies, supply chains, sustainability, nutrition, food security, and regulatory policies.
This three-day event, which began Tuesday, October 21, gathers global experts, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to explore how emerging technologies can create more resilient and sustainable food systems for the future.
