Amidst the challenges posed by a growing global population and climate change, Marico’s Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation is paving the way for brighter future for Indian farmers. Established in 2017 on World Coconut Day, the foundation tackles critical issues of the agricultural sector through innovative and sustainable solutions. By integrating modern technology, education, and sustainable practices, it is enabling higher crop yields and self-capacitation for the farmers.
Through initiatives like the Kalpavriksha mobile app and Agri-Business Centers (ABCs), farmers gain real-time support and access to modern farming equipment. The foundation's holistic training programs have led to a remarkable 16 percent increase in productivity for over 81,000 farmers in FY23. Looking forward, the foundation aims to enroll one lakh farmers, covering four lakh acres by FY25, and generate INR 1000 Crores in incremental farm income by FY26.
In this article, Amit Bhasin, Chief Legal Officer & Group General Counsel and Secretary of the CSR Committee, Marico Limited takes us through journey of the Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation thus far and the approaches that have produced tangible outcomes for farmers.
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India's agriculture, along with its allied sectors, constitutes the largest source of livelihood in the country, with approximately 70 percent of rural households relying primarily on agriculture for their sustenance. However, the challenges facing modern agriculture are immense. Against the backdrop of a rapidly growing global population and the challenges posed by climate change, there is an increasingly urgent call for the adoption of innovative and sustainable farming practices. While traditional farming methods have been indispensable and widely relied upon, they often exert significant pressure on natural resources, contribute to soil degradation, and amplify greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it is imperative that we come together to find sustainable practices, with the help of modern advancements and technologies to further the agricultural industry for the next generations.
It is in this context that the Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation steps forward as a beacon of hope, ushering in transformative change for farmers and the agricultural landscape.
The Genesis of Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation
The genesis of this initiative was inspired by a profound recognition of the pivotal role agriculture plays in India's rural economy. Farmers, the unsung heroes of our nation, face a myriad of challenges, including diminishing crop yields, financial constraints, and the imperative to embrace sustainable farming practices. Launched on World Coconut Day in 2017, the foundation's journey began with a vision to address these critical issues holistically. Its mission was to empower Indian farmers, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-changing agricultural landscape while boosting their productivity and increasing incremental farm income.
At the core of the Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation's initiatives lie three fundamental principles: enabling higher crop yield, training farmers to be self-capacitated in their farms, and training them on scientific and research-based agricultural practices.
Transforming Lives and Landscapes
Since its inception, the Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation has been instrumental in transforming the lives of Indian farmers. With a holistic approach, the program has addressed critical aspects of farming, including disease, pest, water, and nutrition management for coconut cultivation. Over 81,000 farmers have benefited from these initiatives, witnessing a remarkable 16 percent increase in productivity in FY23. These farmers have not only improved their yields but also optimized their resources, leading to a substantial increase in income. Calling out a few testimonials, one of the farmers who has been enrolled in the program since 2018, shared how the program educated him about various farming techniques, saved his farm from pest attacks as well as helped increase crop yield. Another farmer shared how Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation had given him knowledge about water management techniques for increasing the yield per tree and saving water during draught season.
Leveraging Technology for Wider Reach
According to McKinsey, three of every four farms are at risk of crop damage from pests and weather, and 50 percent of India’s farmers lack access to traditional financing sources. Recognizing the need for an immediate and accessible support, the Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation has harnessedtechnology to bridge the gap. The Kalpavriksha mobile application and call center services provide real-time support, reducing dependency on field staff.The foundation also employs agri-experts, including agronomists and retired professors, who conduct in-person training and workshops in villages. This ensures that farmers, even in remote areas, have access to valuable insights and solutions.
The Foundation's commitment to sustainable farming methods is evident in its comprehensive training programs. Farmers are educated in the intricacies of sustainable farming, enabling them to achieve higher productivity and crop yields. These training programs embrace scientific and research-based agricultural practices, equipping farmersto harness the full potential of their lands.
The ABC’s of Modern Farming
Marico recognised the financial constraints faced by many farmers in acquiring modern farming equipment and machinery, therefore the Parachute Kalpavriksha foundation took a established four Agri-Business Centers (ABCs) that allow farmers to hire high-quality farm machinery, equipment, technical assistance, and labour support. These centers have created a platform for agri-ventures and local entrepreneurs, offering services like Brush cutter, power Tiller, sale of inputs along with labour services at affordable prices. In FY23, ABCs played a significant role in elevating the productivity and income of over 1600 farmers, underscoring their pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities of farmers nationwide.
As the Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation continues its transformative journey, it stands as a testament to the power of dedicated initiatives in uplifting the agricultural sector. Through its multifaceted approach to sustainable farming practices, the foundation is nurturing a brighter and more prosperous future for Indian farmers and the agricultural landscape.
A Vision for the Future
Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation plans to enrol over one lakh farmers and cover more than four lakh acres of farmland by FY25. It also aims to generate an incremental farm income of INR 1000 Crores by FY26. This vision represents the foundation's commitment to empowering farmers and nurturing sustainable agriculture.
With its vision set on a brighter and more bountiful future, the foundation is sowing the seeds of change that will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.
