UPL SAS partners with Olam Agri to advance sustainable sugarcane farming in India
05 August 2023, New Delhi: UPL Sustainable Agriculture Solutions Ltd. (UPL SAS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Olam Agri to drive sustainable and consistent sugarcane production across India through the ‘Shashwat Mithaas’ initiative.
The program aims to benefit farmers within the Olam Sugar Mill (Channehatti-Rajgoli, Kolhapur, Maharashtra) catchment area, with a 15 percent increase in yield per acre and additional income. The initial phase of the program will cover 2,000 acres in its inaugural year, with the potential to expand across a catchment area of 70,000 acres.
The project aims to reduce water usage by 30 percent through the adoption of efficient irrigation practices and cut fertilizer consumption by 25 percent 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 of Sustainability at 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 the long-term sustainability of crop production″.
Bharat Kundal, Business Head of Olam Agri, said, ″At Olam Agri, reimagining global agriculture and food systems is at the heart of our endeavors. 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″.
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