Desk-Based Study on Nature-Based Carbon Sequestration Technologies and Solutions for Indian Agriculture

Pilio, an innovation company developing climate and adaptation mitigation solutions for the fashion and textile industry, is seeking a highly-motivated research associate to undertake a short consultancy exploring nature-based carbon sequestration technologies and solutions, including regenerative agriculture practices.

1. Project Overview

This desk-based study aims to explore nature-based carbon sequestration technologies and solutions, including regenerative agriculture practices, tailored to the context of Indian agriculture. The study will place a special emphasis on cotton and other natural fibres (e.g., jute, hemp, and sisal), evaluating their potential to sequester carbon, enhance soil health, and support sustainable agricultural systems as a means to secure commercial viability. It will include a specific focus on biochar and enhanced weathering as promising techniques.

In doing so, the study will analyze relevant policy frameworks, climate finance sources that are available in India, and the roles of startups and fashion companies piloting these solutions in India.

The goal is to provide business insights for the development of a regenerative agriculture venture in India.

2. Objectives

• Assess Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)

o Identify and evaluate nature-based carbon sequestration technologies and regenerative agriculture practices suitable for Indian agriculture, with a focus on cotton and natural fibres, including biochar and enhanced weathering.

o Identify enhanced rock weathering as a technique for enhancing soil productivity and its suitability for use in the cultivation of natural fibres. Do the same for biochar.

o Analyze Applicability: Examine the feasibility, scalability, and adaptability of these solutions to India’s diverse agro-climatic zones, soil types, and farming systems.

• Market landscape – map and analyse current players in the ecosystems, their roles, their business models, their funding sources, and investors.

• Identify the role of the Government of India, if any. And the State Governments, if any.

• Review Policy Frameworks: Analyze existing Indian policies, regulations, and incentives that support or hinder the adoption of nature-based solutions, including biochar and enhanced weathering.

• Explore Climate Finance: Identify climate finance opportunities, including green credits, carbon markets, and public-private partnerships, to fund these solutions.

• Highlight Innovations: Document the roles of startups and fashion companies piloting nature-based, regenerative, biochar, and enhanced weathering solutions in India, particularly in the cotton and natural fibre value chains.

• Provide Suggestions: Offer suggestions for business models, business interventions, scale-up options and/other anything else.

3. Scope of Work

a. Identification and Evaluation:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of nature-based carbon sequestration technologies and regenerative agricultural practices relevant to Indian cotton and natural fibre farming.

• Assess suitability, efficiency, and benefits of practices including but not limited to biochar, conservation tillage, agroforestry, composting, and holistic grazing.

b. Enhanced Rock Weathering & Biochar Evaluation:

• Evaluate enhanced rock weathering and their practical implementation in Indian farming systems.

• Conduct a comparative analysis of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) and biochar in terms of carbon sequestration potential, soil health improvement, and adaptability in various Indian agro-climatic zones.

• Determine economic and agronomic feasibility for cotton and natural fibre cultivation.

• Analyze potential environmental co-benefits and risks associated with deploying these techniques in Indian contexts.

c. Applicability & Adaptability:

• Identify implementation barriers (technical, economic, social) and opportunities for adaptation.

• Provide region-specific recommendations for the adoption of ERW and biochar-based solutions.

2. Market Landscape Mapping

• Conduct an in-depth mapping of the ecosystem players, including startups, established agribusinesses, non-profits, and research organizations engaged in NBS, regenerative agriculture, biochar, and ERW.

• Identify their business models, funding sources, investors, partnerships, and value propositions.

• Examine supply chains, service offerings, and market gaps to highlight potential collaboration or investment opportunities.

3. Government & Policy Engagement

• Policy Framework Review: Analyze national and state-level policies, incentives, and regulatory frameworks that enable or hinder the deployment of these solutions.

• Identify the current and potential roles of the Government of India and relevant state governments in supporting or regulating NBS, biochar, and ERW initiatives.

• Map key ministries, departments, and programs relevant to agriculture, natural resources, and climate resilience.

4. Climate Finance & Funding Opportunities

• Identify national and international climate finance mechanisms (green bonds, carbon markets, carbon credits, climate adaptation funds) applicable to biochar, ERW, and regenerative practices.

• Explore public-private partnerships, investor interest, and funding gaps in scaling these solutions.

• Suggest pathways to leverage climate finance to support NBS adoption in Indian agriculture.

5. Innovations & Case Studies

• Highlight Indian and global innovations, pilots, and success stories in integrating NBS with cotton and natural fibre farming.

• Document best practices from startups, fashion companies, and cooperatives pioneering these approaches in India.

• Identify challenges, lessons learned, and pathways for scaling up successful models.

6. Recommendations & Business Model Development

• Provide actionable recommendations for business models, partnerships, and investment strategies that align with sustainability and regenerative goals.

• Suggest pathways to scale up NBS adoption, including pilot programs, demonstration farms, capacity building, and market linkages.

• Recommend policy and regulatory changes to support widespread adoption.

• Identify strategic interventions that can drive systemic shifts toward regenerative and low-carbon agricultural practices in the cotton and natural fibre value chains.

4. Deliverables

• Comprehensive Report: A detailed report (approximately 15-20 pages) including:

o Executive summary of key findings and recommendations.

o Overview of nature-based carbon sequestration technologies, regenerative agriculture, biochar, and enhanced weathering.

o Specific insights on cotton and natural fibres in the Indian context.

o Analysis of policy frameworks and climate finance mechanisms.

o Case studies of startups and fashion companies piloting solutions.

o Actionable recommendations for stakeholders.

• Presentation: A concise slide deck summarizing key findings, visuals, and recommendations for stakeholder engagement.

• Data Tables and Visuals: Charts, graphs, and tables to illustrate carbon sequestration potential, cost-benefit analyses, and policy/finance landscapes.

5. Timeline – 2 months

• Week 1-2: Project kickoff, scope refinement, and initial literature review.

• Week 2-4: In-depth literature review and data collection on nature-based solutions, biochar, enhanced weathering, cotton, and natural fibres. Analysis of policy frameworks, climate finance, startups, and fashion company initiatives. Synthesis of findings, drafting of report, and development of visuals.

• Week 5-6: Finalization of report and preparation of presentation.

• Week 7-8: Review, revisions, and submission of final deliverables.

6. Methodology

• Desk-Based Research: Utilize peer-reviewed articles, government reports, industry publications, and online databases

• Data Analysis: Employ qualitative analysis for policy and case studies, and quantitative analysis for carbon sequestration potential and economic feasibility of regenerative practices, biochar, and enhanced weathering.

• Stakeholder Mapping: Identify key players (farmers, policymakers, startups, fashion companies) and their roles in scaling solutions.

• Case Study Approach: Select 3-5 representative examples of startups and fashion companies piloting regenerative, biochar, and enhanced weathering solutions in India.

7. Expected Outcomes

• A clear understanding of nature-based carbon sequestration technologies applicable for commercial deployment in India. This includes regenerative agriculture, biochar, and enhanced weathering practices suitable for Indian agriculture.

• Specific insights into the role of cotton and natural fibres in climate mitigation and sustainable textile supply chains.

• Documentation of innovative startups and fashion companies driving change in the sector.

• Practical recommendations to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in Indian agriculture from the point of view of a new venture.

8. Budget Considerations – USD 5,000

9. To Apply

Send your CV to ella@piliogroup.com by 15th June 2025.