Google has inked its biggest rice-methane carbon credit deal with Indian startup Mitti Labs, committing to buy 1 million carbon credits through 2030. The deal aims to reduce methane emissions by 50% and cut irrigation by 40%, without affecting crop yields.

Google is facing pressure to reach its net-zero emissions target by 2030, despite a recent uptick in its greenhouse gas emissions. This deal could help the tech giant offset some of its environmental impact, although scaling up will be crucial.

Mitti Labs uses advanced technology, including satellite imagery, to monitor and enhance rice farming practices. The startup has already saved over 500 billion liters of water and hopes to expand globally, with plans to work in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

The deal is significant for both companies, signaling a growing trend in corporate commitment to agricultural carbon projects. However, with 150 million rice farmers in India, Southeast Asia and China, there's much more potential for methane reduction.

A majority of the revenue from the projects goes to farming communities, which is a positive social impact. But the true test will be whether this deal sets a precedent for other tech giants to follow, or remains a one-off climate hero moment.