The inauguration of the solar polyhouse dryer represents Marico’s vision to integrate innovation and sustainability into agriculture.
JALGAON (India CSR): In a significant move to promote sustainable farming and empower rural communities, Marico Limited, a leading FMCG company in India, inaugurated a state-of-the-art 500Kg capacity solar polyhouse dryer during its Farmers’ Day Celebration in Jalgaon. The event, attended by over 500 farmers along with students, Self-Help Group (SHG) members, and agriculture experts, marked a milestone in Marico’s commitment to rural upliftment and climate-smart agriculture.
Key Highlight: Solar Polyhouse Dryer Inauguration
The solar polyhouse dryer, inaugurated by Marico leaders Amit Bhasin, Chief Legal Officer and Group General Counsel, and Dr. Shilpa Vora, Chief R&D Officer, was the centerpiece of the event. This innovative technology, introduced in collaboration with SHG women and local farmers, aims to help farmers preserve their produce, extend shelf life, and explore new avenues for value-added products.
Through live demonstrations, farmers and attendees learned techniques for drying produce efficiently and creating diversified income streams. By showcasing dried products, Marico emphasized the potential to transform agricultural outputs into marketable goods, boosting profitability and resilience in the farming sector.
Fostering Community Engagement
The event also served as a vibrant platform for community participation:
- Local farmers and SHG members set up food stalls, selling diverse products and gaining direct market exposure.
- Farmers excelling in sustainable practices were recognized and awarded, inspiring others to adopt innovative techniques.
- Krishi Vigyan Kendra experts conducted guidance sessions on sustainable farming, organic practices, and accessing government schemes for financial support.
Climate-Smart Farming and Future Opportunities
Marico highlighted climate-smart farming practices during the event, with experts discussing techniques to reduce water usage, adopt low-water crops, and enhance resilience to climate variability. A panel discussion featuring Marico leaders, Agriculture Officers, and CSR experts explored future livelihood projects, including moringa powder and banana chip production under Marico’s proposed Jan Samruddhi project.
Amit Bhasin’s Vision for Rural Empowerment
Speaking at the event, Amit Bhasin remarked, “Empowering farmers is pivotal to creating a sustainable and prosperous agricultural ecosystem. Our Farmers’ Day Celebration reflects Marico’s dedication to advancing sustainable practices, promoting water conservation, and improving rural livelihoods. We are proud to collaborate with communities to make a lasting, positive impact on farmers and their families.”
Marico’s Impact in Jalgaon
Marico’s initiatives in Jalgaon demonstrate a robust commitment to sustainability:
- Water Stewardship: Through its Jalashay programme, Marico has created a water harvesting capacity of 13.50 crore litres, transforming drought-prone areas into water-resilient regions.
- Biodiversity Enhancement: Over 23,000 saplings have been planted in partnership with the local zilla panchayat, contributing to ecological balance.
- Water-Neutral Manufacturing: The Jalgaon unit is Marico’s first water-neutral manufacturing plant, showcasing the company’s leadership in sustainable operations.
