by Suman Gupta
- UPL SAS and Olam Agri will jointly implement the Shashwat Mithaas initiative assuring an additional 15% increase in yields
- The project aims to reduce water usage by 30% and fertilizer consumption by 25% which will support sustainable sugarcane farming
Maharashtra, India, 2 August, 2023: UPL Sustainable Agriculture Solutions Ltd. (UPL SAS), a global provider of sustainable agricultural products and solutions, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Olam Agri, a leading food and agribusiness supplier, to drive sustainable and consistent sugarcane production across India through the ‘Shashwat Mithaas’ initiative. The programme aims to benefit farmers within the Olam Sugar Mill (Channehatti-Rajgoli, Kolhapur, Maharashtra) catchment area, with a 15% increase in yield per acre and additional income.
The project aims to reduce water usage by 30% through the adoption of efficient irrigation practices, and cut fertilizer consumption by 25%, while increasing crop yield and improving soil health. Through this partnership, farmers will be supported with a holistic package of solutions and services, including UPL’s climate-smart technology ZEBA as part of the ProNutiva package, training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), mechanization, and access to the nurture.farm platform to ensure traceability. 25 model plots have been established so far to demonstrate the efficacy of the solutions and approach.
Harshal Sonawane, Head Sustainability, UPL SAS, said: “At UPL SAS, we are committed to ensuring a greener and more prosperous future for all. This comprehensive package will empower farmers with improved productivity and enhanced profitability, while offering shared benefits for environmental health. By addressing the shortage of sugarcane in the market, this partnership is set to deliver wins for all while advancing long-term sustainability of crop production”.
Bharat Kundal, Business Head, Olam Agri, said: “At Olam Agri, reimagining global agriculture and food systems is at the heart of our endeavours. We firmly believe that adopting sustainable farming practices is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by our sugarcane farmers. Through collaborative efforts and embracing innovation, we are determined to create a lasting impact on the lives of farmers and the entire agricultural ecosystem”.
The initial phase of the programme will cover 2,000 acres in its inaugural year, with the potential to expand across a catchment area of 70,000 acres.
