Kisan Diwas 2024: CSR empowers local farmers with climate-smart practices in Jalgaon, Maharashtra

Jalgaon, India: Dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives it touches, Marico Limited, a leading FMCG company in India, hosted a Farmers’ Day Celebration in Jalgaon. The celebration brought together over 500 farmers. Apart from villagers, Farmer Producer Organisation members, and SHG members, the event also included 80+ school kids from surrounding villages such as Dhanwad, Devhari, Karmad, Chincholi, Subhashwadi, Lonwadi and Umahale. It also witnessed participation from 100+ Medical students of Shri Chamundamata Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital.

The key highlight of the event was the inauguration of 500Kg capacity solar polyhouse dryer by Marico leaders Amit Bhasin, Chief Legal Officer and Group General Counsel and Dr. Shilpa Vora, Chief R&D officer, along with Self Help Group (SHG) women and farmers. Through a demonstration, attendees learned how to preserve produce and add value to their harvest. By showcasing dried products, Marico illustrated the potential for diversifying income streams through value-added goods.

The event featured a variety of activities with an aim to educate, empower, and celebrate the rural community’s role in advancing sustainable agriculture. It provided local farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with the opportunity to put-up food stalls and sell their diverse products directly to the community, boosting visibility, creating a platform for income generation.

The event was designed to educate farmers about sustainable farming methods, encourage community engagement, and recognize for their accomplishments. Farmers who excelled in enabling best sustainable farming practices were awarded for their dedication and innovative approach. They also shared their success stories, highlighting how the Jalashay Jal Samrudhhi initiative by Marico enhanced their farm productivity and sustainability.

Expert guidance session from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, mentored the farmers on critical matters like sustainable farming, organic practices, and crop diversification. They also shared knowledge on government schemes available for farmers and multiple means to avail financial support to address their challenges.

Additionally, agriculture experts presented climate-smart farming techniques, including methods to reduce water usage and enhance resilience to weather variability. This session provided farmers with valuable insights into low-water crops that promote both sustainability and profitability, while helping them adapt to climate challenges. The event offered a comprehensive platform for farmers to learn, interact and grow.

A panel featuring Agriculture Officers, Marico leaders along with CSR team members, and NIWAS experts discussed future rural livelihood opportunities. They explored potential initiatives for Jalgaon farmers, such as moringa powder and banana chip production under the proposed Jan Samruddhi project of Marico, emphasizing the importance of diversifying income sources.

Speaking about the event, Amit Bhasin, Chief Legal Officer & Group General Counsel and Secretary, CSR Committee, Marico Limited, said, “Marico’s operations in Jalgaon exemplify our commitment to sustainability and community upliftment. We believe that empowering farmers is key to building a sustainable and prosperous agricultural ecosystem. Our Farmers’ Day Celebration reflects our commitment to advancing sustainable farming practices, water conservation, and rural livelihood improvement. We take pride in working alongside local communities and remain dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of farmers and their families”.

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