Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath has called his investment in Akshayakalpa Organic “by far our best,” spotlighting a regenerative farming model that’s quietly transforming India’s dairy landscape and soil health. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on September 18, 2025, Kamath praised the startup’s work in rebuilding soil organic content (SOC)—a metric he says is “the farmer’s true wealth.”
Akshayakalpa, founded by Shashi Kumar, is a farm-to-home organic dairy company that’s not only doubling milk output but also slashing carbon emissions and regenerating dead soil across Indian farms. Kamath’s Rainmatter Foundation has backed the venture for its long-term sustainability, rural impact, and climate-positive outcomes.
What Is Akshayakalpa Doing Differently?
| Practice | Impact |
|---|---|
| Regenerative Farming | Increases SOC from 0.3% to 2.5% |
| Organic Dairy Production | Boosts milk yield and quality |
| Farmer Training Programs | Empowers rural communities |
| Carbon Emission Reduction | Cuts CO₂e per liter of milk from 2.56 to 1.41 kg |
| Soil Health Monitoring | Tracks microbial life, water retention, nutrient delivery |
Kamath emphasized that SOC affects everything from crop resilience to water retention. “When SOC drops below 0.5%, you’re looking at desert-like conditions where nothing grows without pumping in fertilizers,” he wrote.
Soil Organic Content (SOC): Why It Matters
SOC is the percentage of organic matter in soil, including decomposed plant and animal residues, microbes, and nutrients. It’s a key indicator of soil health and fertility.
| SOC Level | Soil Condition | Agricultural Viability |
|---|---|---|
| <0.5% | Desert-like | Poor crop yield |
| 0.5%–1.5% | Low | Requires heavy inputs |
| 1.5%–2.5% | Moderate | Sustainable farming |
| >2.5% | High | Ideal for regenerative agriculture |
India’s average SOC is just 0.3%, compared to the EU average of 1.8%. Akshayakalpa’s model has pushed SOC up to 2.5% in some patches, making it one of the most successful soil regeneration efforts in the country.
Akshayakalpa’s Dairy Impact
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Milk Output per Farm | 140,000 liters annually |
| Carbon Emissions per Liter | Reduced from 2.56 to 1.41 kg CO₂e/kg FPCM |
| Farmer Income Growth | Up to 3x increase |
| SOC Improvement | From 0.3% to 2.5% |
| Farm Tenure Influence | Longer tenure = better soil and lower emissions |
The startup’s data shows that as farm tenure increases, both milk output and soil health improve, while carbon emissions decline.
Nithin Kamath’s Investment Philosophy
Kamath’s Rainmatter Foundation focuses on sustainable, climate-positive ventures that create long-term value. His investment in Akshayakalpa aligns with his broader vision of supporting regenerative agriculture and rural livelihoods.
| Investment Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Climate Impact | Must reduce emissions or restore ecosystems |
| Rural Empowerment | Should boost farmer incomes and autonomy |
| Scalability | Capable of replicating across regions |
| Profitability | Sustainable business model |
| Transparency | Data-driven and open-source practices |
“This is by far our best investment,” Kamath wrote, sharing charts and photos from Akshayakalpa farms.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
| Challenge | Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Scaling Across India | Expand to 10,000+ farms |
| Farmer Training | Build regional knowledge hubs |
| Policy Support | Align with soil health and carbon credit schemes |
| Export Potential | Tap into organic dairy markets in Asia and Europe |
| Trade Barriers | Navigate U.S. tariffs on dairy exports |
Kamath noted that India’s agriculture-heavy export basket still faces stiff headwinds in the U.S., with over 55% of shipments—across dairy, seafood, and textiles—hit by high tariffs. The contrast between high-performing farms and a punitive trade environment highlights the global relevance of regenerative agriculture.
Akshayakalpa’s Vision for the Future
| Goal | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Expand to 5,000 farms | By 2026 |
| Achieve 3.5% SOC in pilot zones | By 2027 |
| Launch carbon credit program | By 2026 |
| Export to 5 new countries | By 2028 |
| Train 50,000 farmers | By 2030 |
The startup aims to become a model for climate-smart dairy production, combining profitability with ecological restoration.
Conclusion: A Farm Fix That’s Been Hiding in Plain Sight
Nithin Kamath’s endorsement of Akshayakalpa is more than an investment—it’s a call to reimagine agriculture from the ground up. By focusing on soil health, farmer empowerment, and climate resilience, Akshayakalpa is proving that the future of farming lies beneath our feet.
As Kamath puts it, “The practices they’re teaching farmers are rebuilding the soil—which really is the farmer’s true wealth.” In a country where degraded soil threatens food security and rural incomes, this farm fix may be the most powerful solution we’ve overlooked.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available investor statements, verified startup data, and news reports. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, agricultural, or environmental advice. All projections and metrics are subject to change based on field outcomes and regulatory updates.
