Diageo India launches micro enterprise initiative for small holder women farmers in Nashik

Nashik, February 2, 2024: Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd) has launched a micro enterprise initiative aimed at empowering 100 small holder women farmers in Nashik, Maharashtra. 

The program aligns with Diageo’s grain-to-glass sustainability commitment and focuses on addressing crop loss, reducing food waste, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

In collaboration with Savitribai Phule Ekatma Samaj Mandal (SPMESM) as the implementing partner and S4S Technologies as the technology partner, Diageo India will provide training, financial support, and equipment to the women farmers.

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As per the Diageo India officials, the goal is to enable them to sun dry surplus produce and establish last-mile connectivity to consumers through the food supply chain.

The initiative is part of Diageo’s Society 2030: Spirit of Progress plan, which supports local sourcing communities for economic and environmental resilience. Additionally, it contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, aiming to reduce food waste and losses along production and supply chains. The program will focus on training women in proper methodologies for drying vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and ginger. The produce will be supplied to hotels, restaurants, and ingredient manufacturers, creating a complete value chain for consistent supply to the food industry and stable income for the women entrepreneurs.

Jagbir Singh Sidhu, Corporate Relations Director at Diageo India, said, "At Diageo India, our commitment to Pioneering Grain-to-Glass Sustainability is integral to our Society 2030: Spirit of Progress ESG plan. This collaboration with SPMESM and S4S technologies exemplifies our unwavering commitment to empowering our communities while working with industries and stakeholders in agricultural supply chain to create tangible and lasting solutions. This initiative marks the inception of India's contribution to our global commitment of supporting small-holder farmers by enabling them with opportunities to secure their livelihood.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Dr. Pratibha Phatak, Founder Trustee, SPMESM, said, "We are delighted to partner with Diageo India on this transformative initiative to empower women while devising sustainable solutions to address food and crop wastage issue in Maharashtra. The potential for positive impact is immense, and we look forward to making a meaningful difference together."

Diageo India, in its commitment to environmental impact, has undertaken water replenishment projects, including the construction of check dams and desilting ponds. The company's initiatives have positively impacted over 59,000 individuals across 23 villages in Maharashtra.