Zerodha's Nithin Kamath names his 'best investment'. How it could lead to healthier meals on Indian plates
Across the world, concerns about food quality and sustainability are growing. From rising chemical use in farming to declining soil fertility, the health of the land directly affects the food on our plates. In India, where farmland often struggles with poor soil nutrition, regenerative practices are emerging as a potential game-changer—improving crop quality, reducing dependence on chemicals, and supporting farmer livelihoods.
Rebuilding Soil, Restoring Nutrition
Taking to X, Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath recently highlighted an investment through his Rainmatter initiative that goes beyond financial returns. His post focused on the importance of Soil Organic Content (SOC), a key measure of soil health. SOC affects water retention, nutrient delivery, soil structure, and the activity of beneficial microbes. Alarmingly, India’s farmland averages just 0.3% SOC, far below the European Union’s cropland average of 1.8%, considered a benchmark for fertile soil. When SOC falls below 0.5%, farming becomes heavily reliant on chemical fertilisers, creating unsustainable practices.
The highlight came from Shashi Kumar, founder of Akshayakalpa Organic. After years of applying regenerative agriculture methods, Akshayakalpa has increased SOC levels in its farms from 0.3% to an average of 1.5%, with some areas reaching 2.5%. Kamath described this achievement as turning what was essentially barren soil into land comparable with European standards.
Rebuilding Soil, Restoring Nutrition
Taking to X, Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath recently highlighted an investment through his Rainmatter initiative that goes beyond financial returns. His post focused on the importance of Soil Organic Content (SOC), a key measure of soil health. SOC affects water retention, nutrient delivery, soil structure, and the activity of beneficial microbes. Alarmingly, India’s farmland averages just 0.3% SOC, far below the European Union’s cropland average of 1.8%, considered a benchmark for fertile soil. When SOC falls below 0.5%, farming becomes heavily reliant on chemical fertilisers, creating unsustainable practices.
The highlight came from Shashi Kumar, founder of Akshayakalpa Organic. After years of applying regenerative agriculture methods, Akshayakalpa has increased SOC levels in its farms from 0.3% to an average of 1.5%, with some areas reaching 2.5%. Kamath described this achievement as turning what was essentially barren soil into land comparable with European standards.
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