Chemical Companies to Complete World's First Sustainable Castor Bean Programme

Leading chemical companies have empowered 1,019 Indian farmers in their journey to create a framework for sustainable castor bean production. Arkema, a global leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials; BASF, the world’s leading chemical company; Jayant Agro-Organics Ltd., a pioneer in castor oil based chemicals in India, and Solidaridad, an international civil society organization, came together for Project ‘Pragati’ (Hindi word for progress). With this first-of-its-kind initiative globally, the companies are developing a sustainable castor framework titled ‘SuCCESS’ (Sustainable Castor Caring for Environmental & Social Standards). On May 2, 2018, the first 10 producer groups, representing the 1,019 castor farmers were formally awarded their certificates for their tremendous achievements in improving the sustainability of their farming practices.

A baseline survey of more than 1,000 castor farmers was conducted in 2016 on issues relating to their productivity, social impact, environment, health and safety. Based on the initial findings, Project Pragati was launched in May 2016 in Gujarat, as this region produces nearly 70% of the world’s supply of castor beans. The project aims to address these issues with the development of a sustainability framework designed to evaluate the social, economic, agronomic, and environmental performance of the Indian castor farmers.

Key outcomes

Key outcomes of the project to date include:

• A yield improvement of 55% vs the 2016 baseline;

• Safety kits and waste storage drums distributed to all 2,700 participating farmers;

• More than 1,000 hours of classroom training;

• Completion of soil and water tests across 41 villages;

• Health camps set up in 26 villages; and

• Five demo plots created for better agricultural practices field demonstration.

More than 2,000 hectares of castor farming are now in accordance with the project framework.

Since its launch, Project Pragati has led to intensive farmer engagement and adoption of best agricultural practices within the castor community. These results have been audited by independent third-party inspection agencies. To date, over 2,700 farmers have been trained by the project and 1,019 farmers have now been successfully certified and recognized under the project.

By educating, and disseminating best agricultural and environmental practices, Project Pragati, enables farmers to access the full benefits of productivity through better practices. In addition, aids in creating awareness and incentivises them to take responsibility towards health, environment, safety and society.

On the occasion, Mr. Abhay V. Udeshi, Chairman at Jayant Agro Group, said, “With an intent to accelerate innovation, growth and enhance farming practices in the sustainable castor bean production, we are glad to be part of the initiative Pragati. The program is aimed at creating an impact on sustainable castor production and we look forward at delivering solutions best suited to comply with the environment, safety and social norms thereby enhancing its efficiency and performance. We believe that this initiative will accelerate the business growth, delivering productive results for castor farmers within the country. We are thrilled to collaborate with companies like Arkema, BASF and Solidaridad to further expand and create value additions on this project that will financially benefit the farmers.”

While the project continues to positively impact the farming community, the founders are now considering opening the project for participation to all interested stakeholders to enhance sustainability for the castor industry within the next 12 months.