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.
Healthier Food From Stronger Soil
The implications for food quality are significant. Improved SOC means crops can grow with minimal chemical inputs, naturally enhancing their nutritional value. Dairy products benefit too—cows feeding on nutrient-rich fodder produce milk with higher nutrient content. Kamath emphasized that this investment aligns with Rainmatter’s mission, as it supports both farmers’ livelihoods and the health of the land, which he calls the “farmer’s true wealth.”
The post generated considerable comments online, with users drawing parallels between soil health and financial growth. One user noted that increasing SOC is like turning a loss-making stock into a long-term compounder, highlighting the importance of sustainable growth over short-term gains.
Others praised the initiative for transforming barren land into nutrient-rich farmland and suggested that similar techniques could support water conservation and soil preservation.
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.
Soil Organic Content (SOC) is critical in farming. It determines how well soil holds water, delivers nutrients to plants, maintains structure, and supports the millions of microbes that make soil alive. When SOC drops below 0.5%, you're looking at desert-like conditions where… pic.twitter.com/y74r3dhojz
— Nithin Kamath (@Nithin0dha) September 18, 2025
Healthier Food From Stronger Soil
The implications for food quality are significant. Improved SOC means crops can grow with minimal chemical inputs, naturally enhancing their nutritional value. Dairy products benefit too—cows feeding on nutrient-rich fodder produce milk with higher nutrient content. Kamath emphasized that this investment aligns with Rainmatter’s mission, as it supports both farmers’ livelihoods and the health of the land, which he calls the “farmer’s true wealth.”
The post generated considerable comments online, with users drawing parallels between soil health and financial growth. One user noted that increasing SOC is like turning a loss-making stock into a long-term compounder, highlighting the importance of sustainable growth over short-term gains.
Others praised the initiative for transforming barren land into nutrient-rich farmland and suggested that similar techniques could support water conservation and soil preservation.
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