Author: csr-admin

  • Tech adoption, rainwater harvesting key for water security: food and beverages sector

    Tech adoption, rainwater harvesting key for water security: food and beverages sector

    Emphasizing the shared responsibility of water stewardship, leaders from the food and beverage industry, government, and experts underscored the urgency of adopting innovative technologies, harvesting rainwater, and fostering collaborative actions to address water sustainability challenges.

    Emphasizing the shared responsibility of water stewardship, leaders from the food and beverage industry, government, and experts underscored the urgency of adopting innovative technologies, harvesting rainwater, and fostering collaborative actions to address water sustainability challenges at a conference organized by CII-Triveni Water Institute and CII Food & Agriculture Centre of Excellence.

    “Water stewardship is a shared commitment towards securing our future,” said Hina Nagarajan, Conference Chairperson and Managing Director & CEO, Diageo India, setting the tone for the two-day event attended by over 150 delegates.

    Thakur Brahmanand Singh, Member Secretary, Central Ground Water Authority, highlighted the potential of harvested rainwater and greywater to be “gamechanger” in tackling the water crisis amid depleting groundwater resources. He urged the industry to improve specific water consumption through regular audits to determine water use efficiency.

    Inoshi Sharma, Executive Director, FSSAI, echoed similar views, stating, “Focus on harvesting rainwater could help recharge our water bodies and make use of a resource that is otherwise wasted.” Sharma also emphasized the importance of adhering to labeling requirements for packaged drinking water and announced FSSAI’s intent to merge the BIS mark requirement within its regulations to simplify processes.

    Ajay Popat, Chairman – Core group on New & Cutting-Edge technologies, CII National Committee on Water, stressed strategies like water audits, technology integration, wastewater treatment and reuse, sustainable sourcing, collaborative initiatives, and water risk assessment for effective water stewardship.

    Dr Kapil Kumar Narula, CEO & Executive Director, CII Triveni Water Institute, urged industries to be conscious of the watershed in which their plants are located and undertake measures to ensure operational sustainability, citing NITI Aayog’s water neutrality guidelines.

    The conference witnessed participation from government bodies, food processing companies, technology providers, researchers, and industry associations, underscoring the collaborative approach needed to promote sustainable water usage across the food and beverage value chain.

  • Ferrero excels in sustainability, Indian operations lead the way

    Ferrero excels in sustainability, Indian operations lead the way

    Ferrero India has emerged as a shining exemplar of sustainability, with 97.95 percent of its packaging now designed to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable.

    In a sweet boost to its sustainability endeavours, the Ferrero Group, the Italian confectionery behemoth, has rolled out its 15th Sustainability Report, unveiling remarkable progress across its green agenda.

    From bolstering supply chain transparency to nurturing eco-friendly packaging and community upliftment initiatives, the maker of beloved treats like Nutella and Ferrero Rocher has left no stone unturned.

    The report, encompassing the 2022-23 fiscal, bears testimony to Ferrero’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the environment and fostering responsible business practices.

    A noteworthy feat is the 90 percent traceability achieved in its hazelnut supply chain, marking a significant stride from the previous year’s 79 percent. This triumph was orchestrated through collaborations with farmers, suppliers, and research institutions, championing sustainable agricultural methods.

    Leveraging cutting-edge satellite mapping technology, Ferrero has also elevated its cocoa traceability to an impressive 93 percent, ensuring transparency from farm to factory. Tackling intricate challenges like deforestation and unethical labor practices, the confectionery titan has joined forces with global organizations like Save the Children and the International Labor Organization (ILO), extending support to communities in cocoa-producing regions like Ivory Coast.

    Giovanni Ferrero, the Executive Chairman, underscored the company’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, stating, “Ferrero recognizes the critical role it plays in safeguarding nature for future generations. Sustainability is embedded in our long-term strategy, guiding every strategic decision we take.

    “Further cementing its eco-conscious stride, Ferrero has elevated the proportion of its recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging to 90.7 percent, up from 88.5 percent in the previous year. Additionally, the company has achieved a remarkable 20 percent reduction in water intensity across its plants since the 2017-18 base year.

    Closer to home, Ferrero India has emerged as a shining exemplar of sustainability, with 97.95 percent of its packaging now designed to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable. The Indian arm has also orchestrated a 15 percent reduction in its plastic footprint compared to 2020-21 levels and slashed carbon emissions by an impressive 3,455 tons in 2023-24.

    Moreover, Ferrero India has installed solar panels spanning 30,000 square meters, catering to 13 percent of its factory’s energy needs and mitigating 3,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. The company’s water conservation efforts have yielded a 23% reduction in water intensity at its plant since the 2017-18 base year.

    Through its ‘Kinder Joy of Moving’ initiative, Ferrero India has engaged over 10,000 children in  Maharashtra, fostering active lifestyles and promoting physical well-being.

    As the world grapples with environmental challenges, Ferrero’s steadfast sustainability journey serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring businesses to embrace eco-conscious practices and create a greener, more responsible future.

  • USD 2 mln Rotary project to boost farmers’ income, fight climate woes

    USD 2 mln Rotary project to boost farmers’ income, fight climate woes

    Rotary members will collaborate with government agencies, experts and NGO partners to train farmers in modern techniques like rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

    In a major boost to Indian agriculture and the fight against climate change impacts, Rotary clubs have launched an ambitious USD 2 million project to improve water management and farming practices across four drought-prone states.

    The ‘Partners for Water Access and Better Harvests in India’ initiative, led by the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier, aims to make farming more resilient and lucrative for around 60,000 farmers in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra,an official statement said.

    The key goals of the project, which has received a USD 2 million (Rs 16 crore) grant from Rotary International, include:

    1. Increasing groundwater tables by 10-15% each year through water conservation measures
    2. Extending cultivable area by 20-30% by enhancing water availability for irrigation
    3. Boosting the incomes of participating farmers by an estimated 25-30%
    4. Implementing drip irrigation across 4,113 hectares and promoting plantation of native trees/crops to reduce soil erosion

    Rotary members will collaborate with government agencies, experts and NGO partners to train farmers in modern techniques like rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

    “With over half of India’s farmers dependent on rainfall, this project can be a panacea by securing water for irrigation and boosting crop yields,” said Sudhanshu Pachisia, president of the sponsoring Rotary Club of Delhi Premier.

    The mega initiative reinforces Rotary’s work of over a century in executing sustainable community projects globally worth USD 5.5 billion through its charitable foundation.

  • Nagaland ropes in Vitamin Angels for child nutrition drive

    Nagaland ropes in Vitamin Angels for child nutrition drive

    The pilot’s formative research is slated to kick off by June-July this year.

    In a bid to tackle malnutrition among children, the Nagaland government has partnered with Vitamin Angels India to roll out a special drive to provide vitamin A supplements and deworming tablets to kids under five years across three districts.

    The National Health Mission (NHM) of Nagaland signed an agreement with the non-profit organisation to undertake the nutrition intervention in Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima districts through 2024-25, an official statement said.

    The project, extending an existing partnership, aims to strengthen nutritional interventions using an “implementation science” approach focused on community needs. An NHM-Vitamin Angels team will monitor the drive.

    Only 46 per cent of Nagaland’s children aged 9-35 months received vitamin A doses as per National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 data, much lower than the 71 per cent national average. Vitamin A boosts immunity, and its deficiency can cause blindness and increase disease susceptibility.

    “We’ve made progress in improving nutrition levels but need to do more. This pilot will help address supply-demand gaps,” said Dr Khelito Zhimomi, Joint Director at the state’s Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) wing.

    Vitamin Angels India’s Shruti Menon stressed the NGO’s commitment to taking services to the “last mile” aided by the state’s resolve.

    The pilot’s formative research is slated to kick off by June-July this year.

    Vitamin A is crucial for boosting immunity and its deficiency can cause blindness, increase susceptibility to diseases like measles and diarrhoea among kids. Guidelines recommend nine doses at six-month intervals for under-five children from nine months of age.

  • Hyundai Motor India gives assistive devices to disabled

    Hyundai Motor India gives assistive devices to disabled

    HMIL plans to provide a total of 684 such devices over three years to aid mobility, vision, hearing and communication of the disabled under the programme run by the Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled.

    Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has  distributed 72 technologically advanced assistive devices, including hearing aids, wheelchairs and bionic limbs, to disabled people in partnership with an NGO as part of its social initiative “Samarth by Hyundai”.

      HMIL plans to provide a total of 684 such devices over three years to aid mobility, vision, hearing and communication of the disabled under the programme run by the Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled.

      The first “Samarth Assistive Devices Conclave” hosted by HMIL saw panel discussions on enabling inclusion through assistive technology, challenges around disability in India and investment in technologies for para sports.

      “We aim to create a more inclusive society and ease the way of living for people with disabilities in India,” Tarun Garg, chief operating officer at HMIL, told the event.

      The automaker said its global vision of “Progress for Humanity” was aligned with the initiative to empower the disabled.

      Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, founder of Samarthanam Trust, said the collaboration created “an inclusive society where technology and compassion converge to enhance the lives of people with disabilities”.

  • Underprivileged kids in Gurugram’s Bhawani Enclave to get schooling via foundation project

    Underprivileged kids in Gurugram’s Bhawani Enclave to get schooling via foundation project

    The project, located in Bhawani Enclave near Basai village, will provide non-formal education to 150 children aged 6 to 14 years from migrant worker families who are currently not enrolled in schools.

    Whiteland Foundation announced on Monday it has adopted a school for underprivileged children in Gurugram in collaboration with BG Foundation, marking its first major initiative in the child education sector.
    The project, located in Bhawani Enclave near Basai village, will provide non-formal education to 150 children aged 6 to 14 years from migrant worker families who are currently not enrolled in schools, the foundations said in a joint statement.

    It was inaugurated by Whiteland Foundation trustees Priyanka Sardana and Karishma Kaul Babbar.

    “Education is the birthright of every child,” said Kaul Babbar. “Our adoption of this school and commitment to providing quality education will have a transformational impact on society.”

    The long-term initiative spanning 3-5 years aims to integrate the children into the formal schooling system. It will also feature a computer centre to teach basic computing skills.

    Teachers from the local community will conduct baseline assessments of students’ educational levels and start with building rapport and interest before formal lessons based on structured modules.

    BG Foundation currently operates two schools accommodating 150 students and focuses on education, skill development and disaster management for disadvantaged children and youth.

  • Hinduja Group, BML University to train rural women as entrepreneurs in Alwar

    Hinduja Group, BML University to train rural women as entrepreneurs in Alwar

    In the first phase, 30 women will receive training to launch micro-businesses.

    Five years after completing a sustainable water management project in Alwar district of northwestern Rajasthan state, two companies and a local university are now training 450 rural women to become entrepreneurs.

    The Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Indian conglomerate Hinduja Group, and its subsidiary Ashok Leyland, have partnered with BML Munjal University to provide skills training to the women in the food and tailoring industries.

    The training initiative, called Sujal Mahila Mahasangh Alwar, targets women from villages where the Hinduja Foundation and Ashok Leyland earlier implemented water stewardship projects to improve access to clean water under a Rs 90 million corporate social responsibility programme.

    “We are pleased to establish a partnership with BML Munjal University to empower our Sujal Sahelis with the requisite skills and resources to become successful entrepreneurs,” said Paul Abraham, president of the Hinduja Foundation.

    In the first phase, 30 women will receive training to launch micro-businesses. The university said it aimed to help at least 80% of the 450 women, known as “Sujal Sahelis” or water friends, to start their own businesses successfully.

    The project is being supported by several organizations including cement maker Ambuja Foundation and SWAN Livelihood as the training implementation partner.

    Fetching water is a major household chore for women in rural India, with some areas seeing them spend up to four hours daily carrying water from sources several kilometres away to meet a family’s needs.

  • Ambuja Cement Foundation ties up with SLB to implement women & water program in Barmer

    Ambuja Cement Foundation ties up with SLB to implement women & water program in Barmer

    The joint project will cover 5 villages of the Gudamalini block of Barmer, reaching over 7200 beneficiaries and 2300 households.

    Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF) has partnered with SLB Limited to implement Community Development Programs in the Barmer district of Rajasthan.

    Under this partnership ACF aims to empower women through Self-Help Group (SHG) formation, reach out to adolescent girls and focus on bringing water tohousehold doorsteps by encouraging building rooftop rainwater harvesting systems.

    The joint project will cover 5 villages of the Gudamalini block of Barmer, reaching over 7200 beneficiaries and 2300 households, ACF said in a statement.

    Under the Women Empowerment initiative, ACF will focus on capacity building of women who belong to socially and economically weaker sections of the society.

    The area in the desert state is a typical rural setting where females are restricted to household chores,have no say in family decision making and are primarily housebound. These women have no access to higher education and are financially dependent on male members of their families. They are even victims of dowry and domestic violence.

    Due to these issues SLB’s CSR Lead, Shreya Sudhir and ACF’s Senior Management have decided to come together to mobilisethese rural women,organise them into groups, and support them in becoming self-reliant.

    Talking about the new partnership, Ambuja Cement Foundation CEO Pearl Tiwari said, “We not only aim to empower women, but build their confidence to overcome the many varied social problems they face. The partnership helps us take a step forward towards our vision of rural prosperity and we look forward to empowering these women to become agents of change in their families and communities.”

    The joint program intends to strengthen the existing 42 SHGs by conducting training program and exposure visits, along with initiatingincome generation activities. ACF will also introduce social security schemes, and encourage stakeholder meetings and workshops in the villages.

    ACF will form groups of adolescent girls – providing training and awareness on areas like nutrition and health education, life skills, access to public services and child care practices, whilst also conductinghealth check-ups along with counselling and guidance on family welfare. Vocational training will also be provided to rural girls above the age of 16 under the National Skill Development Program.

    To enhance year-round access to water, ACF will encourage households to set up Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting systems to capture rainwater and provide drinking water in their homes. Households will be offered support to build systems with a water storage capacity of 10,000 litres.

    Barmer is an area outside the current functional geography of Ambuja Foundation. However, as a grassroots implementation agency with almost 3 decades of vast experience in remote rural areas, ACF is able to replicate its program models seamlessly. Rajasthan is one of the largest priority states for ACF’s community development work, thus both regional skills and networks will be harnessed to reach out to beneficiaries in Barmer.

  • PepsiCo India & ADI partner for improving water security in Mathura

    PepsiCo India & ADI partner for improving water security in Mathura

    Under the project, seven community rainwater harvesting ponds with a groundwater recharge potential of 214 million litres have already been constructed.

    Global food and beverages major PepsiCo along with the Alternative Development Initiatives (ADI) today launched its Sustainable Water Resource Development and Management (SWRDM) program in Uttar Pradesh.

    The comprehensive water resource development strategy aims at replenishing 100 per cent water used in the manufacturing operations and improving the health of local watersheds that are most at risk.

    Under the project, seven community rainwater harvesting ponds with a groundwater recharge potential of 214 million litres have already been constructed, enabling groundwater recharge in seven neighboring villages, PepsiCo India said in a statement.

    Uttar Pradesh Sugarcane Development and Sugar Industry Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary and PepsiCo India President Ahmed ElSheikh inaugurated one of the seven community rainwater harvesting ponds, located in Puthari, Chatta Tehsil, Mathura.

    Mathura Lok Sabha MP and actress Hema Malini, ADI Managing Director Nardev Chaudhary were also present.

    Speaking on the occasion, the UP Sugar Industry Minister said, “This initiative aligns perfectly with the Uttar Pradesh government’s Mission Amrit Sarovar, which aims to restore and invigorate water bodies in the state. PepsiCo India’s actions exemplify how corporate responsibility can be effectively harnessed for the greater public welfare.”

    PepsiCo India President said, “PepsiCo India is excited to partner with Alternative Development Initiatives (ADI) to bring our Sustainable Water Resource Development and Management (SWRDM) strategy to Uttar Pradesh. We endeavor to be partners in progress and are dedicated to replenishing water in local watersheds and continue to raise awareness through community trainings and sustainable practices.”

    ADI Managing Director Rajinder Nijjar said: “In partnership with PepsiCo India, we initiated a comprehensive study of all the villages under Chatta Tehsil to understand the concern of the area and accordingly plan a long-term sustainable water resource development & management strategy.”

    The joint efforts towards these interventions would improve the water quality, groundwater scenario and enhance capacities of the communities for creation of livelihoods in the area, he said.

    As part of this initiative, PepsiCo India and ADI have also been conducting training programs for over 450 farmers with the help of various training institutions and in house capacity building facilities. The training focuses on the need of water conservation and management, modern farming and modern technology awareness, and several other agronomic practices.

    The project includes convergence with government programs and banks for holistic development including formation and empowerment of SHGs across the project area with over 40 members undertaking trainings including soap making, stitching and candle making.

  • Smriti Irani launches Boeings’ Room to Read literacy program in Amethi

    Smriti Irani launches Boeings’ Room to Read literacy program in Amethi

    Boeing will support ‘Room to Read’, a globally renowned not-for-profit organization, to implement the literacy program in 60 select primary schools for the next four years in Amethi.

    Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani, today announced the launch of Boeing’s ‘Room to Read literacy program’ and a ‘Doctors for You (DFY)’ medical diagnostic center in the Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh.

    As part of the programs, Boeing will support ‘Room to Read’, a globally renowned not-for-profit organization, to implement the literacy program in 60 select primary schools for the next four years in Amethi to help nurture independent readers and lifelong learners, Boeing said in a statement.

    The Boeing-funded medical diagnostic center will feature advanced medical equipment including CT scan, digital X-ray, and ultrasound machines that will enable DFY to offer free medical tests to those in need for the next three years. In addition, the center will also offer training to medical technicians and paramedics.

    Irani was accompanied by senior government and district officials, Boeing India’s Chief of Staff and Boeing Global Engagement lead Praveena Yagnambhat, Room to Read India’s Country Director Poornima Garg.

    “It is the prime focus of the government to provide access to quality education and healthcare facilities to the people at the grassroots level in Amethi. Boeing’s community engagement initiatives in partnership with Room to Read and Doctors For You will make a remarkable contribution to the lives of the people of Amethi both in primary education and in providing them access to quality healthcare. I applaud Boeing’s commitment to partnering with the people of Amethi to help build a better future for all,” Irani said.

    Boeing India President Salil Gupte said, “Our longstanding partnerships with Room to Read and Doctors for You, underscore our continued commitment to provide resources that make literacy, education, and healthcare available to all.”

    As part of the Room to Read program, the library rooms will be set up in the selected 60 schools and will offer modern amenities and resources including books, reading tables, open bookshelves, display units, and other educational materials.

    In addition, the program will drive family and community engagement and awareness through community meetings, events, summer camps, parental orientation, school management committee training, and reading campaigns.

    The program will also enable professional development training for educators and faculty. The initiatives will help create awareness among families, communities, and educators about the right ways to support children at home and in school.

    Geetha Murali, CEO of Room to Read, shared, “When children learn, they create waves of change that extend throughout their families, communities, and future generations. The strong partnership between Boeing and Room to Read exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing childhood illiteracy and creating positive change.”

    Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children, Room to Read’s innovative model focuses on deep, systemic transformation within schools during two critical time periods – early primary school and secondary school.

    The organization helps develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children and ensures girls can complete secondary school with the necessary life skills. Across 49,000 plus communities in 23 countries, Room to Read has benefited more than 39 million children.

    Inaugurating the Boeing-funded DFY medical diagnostic center, Dr. Ravikant Singh, Founder, Doctors for You said, “It’s a proud moment to extend our partnership with Boeing on the milestone project in Amethi today. We continue to bring quality, free healthcare services to the people of the district, providing access to cutting-edge diagnostic services to the communities.”

    DFY is a pan-Indian humanitarian organization that was established in 2007 by doctors, medical students, and like-minded people with a vision of “Health for all”. The organization has been demonstrating pioneering work in community-based disaster risk reduction, public health, training, and disaster emergency response, and has been involved extensively with vulnerable communities in the six states of India providing an efficient, effective, and equitable distribution of health care for all.

    As a socially responsible business leader, Boeing is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities among which it operates. Through focused programs in skilling, education and nutrition, healthcare and sanitation, workforce development, and veterans’ welfare, Boeing has positively impacted more than 5 lakh lives in India over the years.