Carbon markets reward landowners for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and smallholder farmers are a vital part of this system. Yet the carbon credit process can be complex and costly for them, particularly due to verification requirements with external agencies. Mehul Khoont’s start-up, Minus, is changing that. Using an AI-based tool and monitoring system, Minus simplifies verification, making carbon markets more accessible and enabling more people to benefit. 

Mehul’s journey started as an architect in India, but his studies in Germany led him toward sustainability. “When I was working as an architect in India, I saw a huge demand for sustainable solutions,” he recalls. Mehul decided to shift careers and start a company, which also brought its challenges: “Financing a business is never simple,” says Mehul. “But with the right network, public support and grant programmes, you can overcome the barriers, gain confidence in your business model and grow from there.”  

Today, the company runs pilot projects covering 1,000 acres of farmland and forest in western and eastern India, involving around 50 participants. These include organic farmers, forest owners and fruit growers. GIZ’s Business Ideas for Development (BID) initiative played an important role in his entrepreneurial path. “Programmes like the BID give entrepreneurs a chance to test their ideas, build confidence and represent their country through meaningful work,” he shares.” 

Through Minus, Mehul is building a bridge between technology and climate responsibility and thereby creating opportunities for smallholder farmers to take part in the global fight against climate change. 

Further information on the offers available to the Indian diaspora can be found below.