Varaha, Kellanova launch insetting corn regenerative project for small holder farmers in Maharashtra
Global food leader Kellanova has partnered with Varaha, a developer of carbon removal projects to roll out a large-scale five-year insetting regenerative corn program in Maharashtra that will bring 5,000 smallholder farmers and 12,500 acres of corn land under sustainable practices over the next five years.
The project marks India as a key geography for Kellanova’s global sustainability agenda, reinforcing its commitment to climate action and regenerative sourcing from smallholder farmers.
By enabling corn farmers to shift towards methods that improve soil health, cut fertilizer use, and improve yields, the initiative aims to sequester and reduce nearly 1,00,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions, directly supporting the reduction in the company’s supply chain carbon footprint, Varaha said in a statement.
The programme is set apart by its insetting approach—where climate benefits are created within the Kellanova’s own supply chains, rather than offset elsewhere.
The program is aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and major carbon standards, and will be tracked through Varaha’s scientifically rigorous, digital monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) systems that bring scientific rigor and transparency to every acre of land.
Improving livelihoods
Beyond climate gains, the initiative is designed to improve farmer livelihoods. By encouraging practices such as in-situ residue management, raised-bed planting, cover cropping and improved nitrogen use efficiency, farmers are expected to see lower fertilizer costs, healthier soils, and more resilient harvests.
Varaha and Kellanova are also taking a proactive stance on food safety, via a programme to proactively address aflatoxin contamination, a major challenge in corn, through engaging with key scientific initiatives and improved farm management practices.
“We believe that a key to running a good business is doing good for our communities, planet and people. Kellanova is proud to continue the Better Days Promise social and environmental purpose strategy, our program with Varaha proves that climate action and farmer prosperity can go hand in hand,” said Shaughan Kennedy, Vice President AMEA Supply Chain at Kellanova.
“Consumers today expect the food they eat to be responsibly sourced, and this program sets a model that others in the industry can follow.”
For Varaha, the collaboration underscores India’s role as a global pioneer in regenerative agriculture. “With this project, we’re combining strong science, cutting-edge digital tools, and deep farmer engagement to deliver measurable climate and livelihood impact,” said Madhur Jain, Co-founder & CEO, Varaha.
The project is built on a multi-stakeholder model, involving farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations, local NGOs, and scientific partners. By placing regenerative corn at the center of its supply chain, Kellanova is not only advancing its Scope 3 emission goals but also sending a signal to the global food industry: regenerative agriculture at scale is possible, replicable, and urgently needed, the company said.
Published on December 2, 2025
