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  • 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.

  • JSW to restore Shiv Khori shrine under CSR; J&K Lt Governor lays foundation stone

    JSW to restore Shiv Khori shrine under CSR; J&K Lt Governor lays foundation stone

    The restoration include the renovation of bathing ghats and toilets, the establishment of food kiosks, drinking water points, rest areas, rain shelters along pathways, and the creation of other necessary infrastructure and facilities.

    Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha today virtually inaugurated the foundation stone laying ceremony for the restoration of the Shri Shiv Khori shrine, a famous cave shrine of Hindus devoted to lord Shiva, situated in the Reasi district.

    “Laid e-foundation stone for the restoration of the Holy Shrine of Shiv Khori by JSW Foundation. I am glad Shri Sajjan Jindal Ji, Chairman and MD of JSW Group, also joined us on this auspicious occasion. New facilities will ease the pilgrimage & increase the influx of devotees,” the LG tweeted.

    Shiv Khori is one of the most important religious sites of the country. Restoration, upgradation and new infra facilities will ensure unique spiritual tourism circuit to devotees. It will provide major fillip to economy and create large employment opportunities for local population, he added.

    The Shiv Khori Shrine will be restored as part of the JSW Group’s CSR initiative. JSW Foundation has signed an MoU with Chairman of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board (SSKSB) in this regard.

    As part of the restoration project, the JSW team, alongside a group of experts, conducted a comprehensive scientific survey. The survey identified several key areas for improvement, including the renovation of bathing ghats and toilets, the establishment of food kiosks, drinking water points, rest areas, rain shelters along pathways, installation of benches, dustbins, and the creation of other necessary infrastructure and facilities.

    The foundation will provide necessary funds under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) corpus for the development of facilities and support the Shiv Khori Shrine Board in ensuring public convenience.

  • ICICI Prudential Life scores ESG rating of ‘A’

    ICICI Prudential Life scores ESG rating of ‘A’

    This year, the company expanded the terms of reference of the Board CSR Committee to include review of sustainability activities and key ESG related disclosures.

    ICICI Prudential Life Insurance today said it has received a rating of ‘A’ in the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment with a score of 16.9.

      MSCI ESG Ratings aim to measure a company’s management of financially relevant ESG risks and opportunities. It uses a rules-based methodology to identify industry leaders and laggards according to their exposure to ESG risks and how well they manage those risks relative to peers.

      ICICI Prudential Life Insurance said it has focused initiatives in place for each dimension of the ESG framework under the Environment (Transitioning towards Green and Sustainable Operations), Social (Empowering Employees, Adopting Customer Centricity, and Helping Communities) and Governance (Enabling Robust Governance Structure and Effectively Managing Risks) pillars.

      As a result of these initiatives ICICI Prudential Life Insurance received an ESG Risk Rating of 16.9 and was assessed by Sustainalytics to be at Low risk of experiencing material financial impact arising from ESG factors.

    “ESG as one of the strategic elements has been a core part of path followed by the company in achieving its objective of doubling the FY2019 Value of New Business in FY2023. We remain committed to creating a culture that integrates ‘best in class’ sustainability practices with our business processes,” the company’s Managing Director and CEO N S Kannan said in the report.

    The company has been making significant progress in integrating sustainability with its business processes and as a way of doing business since it commenced on their ESG journey in 2020.

    This year, the company expanded the terms of reference of the Board CSR Committee to include review of sustainability activities and key ESG related disclosures.

    According to MSCI, a “leader” (rated AAA & AA) indicates a company leading its industry in managing the most significant ESG risks and opportunities.

    “Average” (rated A, BBB, or BB) companies are described by a mixed or unexceptional track record of managing ESG risks and opportunities relative to industry peers; while a “laggard” (rated B or CCC) trails its industry based on its high exposure and failure to manage significant ESG risks.

  • ITC announces 2nd phase of ‘Balposhan’ project to combat malnutrition in children in Gujarat

    ITC announces 2nd phase of ‘Balposhan’ project to combat malnutrition in children in Gujarat

    This project will be implemented in 85 villages of Valsad district of Gujarat in collaboration with NUTRIHUB, ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, and MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child.

    Diversified conglomerate ITC Limited today announced the second phase of its CSR project “Balposhal” in order to address child malnutrition in India with a special focus on children below five years.

    This project will be implemented in 85 villages of Valsad district of Gujarat in collaboration with NUTRIHUB, ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, and MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child, the company said in a statement.

    The cornerstone of this effort is the Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) model, a proven approach that empowers community volunteers to identify and treat malnourished children before their conditions worsen, it said.

    By integrating treatment with comprehensive long-term interventions, Balposhan aims to not only alleviate acute malnutrition but also improve overall public health and food security sustainably. The comprehensive strategy encompasses community mobilisation, nutritional rehabilitation, structured maternal education and innovative tools like ‘Balvikas kits’ for early childhood development.

    The NutriHub team has developed nutrient-dense, millet-based supplementary foods such as Millet Nutri Bar, Millet Khakra Cookies and Millet Khichdi Mix tailored to the specific needs of malnourished children as part of the food-based nutritional intervention. These innovative products will play a crucial role in the holistic approach adopted by Balposhan.

     “We are indeed delighted to launch Phase 2 of Balposhan, our CSR initiative dedicated to combatting child malnutrition. As we celebrate International Year of Millets 2023, we are committed to drive impactful change in the nutritional landscape of the nation in collaboration with NUTRIHUB, ICAR-IIMR and MAMTA,” said Hemant Malik, Divisional Chief Executive – Foods, ITC Ltd.

    In the first phase of Balposhan project, ITC engaged with 1,000 beneficiaries including children under five years, their mothers, as well as pregnant women in Valsad district, Gujarat. The initiative helped raise awareness about the negative impact of malnutrition’s on children under five years of age, particularly within the crucial first 1,000 days of their lives.

     This initiative is a part of ITC’s Mission Millet campaign aimed at contributing to various on-going government initiatives of reducing the risks of nutritional deficiencies and also by encouraging the cultivation and consumption of millets, in India.

  • Over 20 social ventures register on SSEs; wait for offer documents

    Over 20 social ventures register on SSEs; wait for offer documents

    At present, organisations are only able to register on the platform. The format for offer documents and fundraising is yet to be released. It will only be possible to start fundraising or see any outcomes on the platform once this is done.

    India’s unique experiment of a Social Stock Exchange (SSE) is gathering steam, as many not-for-profit and social organizations have shown interest in listing on the platform. So far, over 20 social ventures have expressed their interest in listing on the new platform with more to follow.

    At present, organisations are only able to register on the platform. The format for offer documents and fundraising is yet to be released. It will only be possible to start fundraising or see any outcomes on the platform once this is done.

    Currently, more than 20 different social organisations have registered under the SSE platform of both NSE and BSE exchanges. Here are the details:

    1. Development Management Foundation

    This organisation is listed on both NSE and BSE. It is an educational institution founded to create, strengthen and establish development management.

    2. Gramalaya Trust

    It operates in the field of water, sanitation, and hygiene in rural, urban, coastal and tribal areas. It is listed on NSE.

    3. Grey Sim Learning Foundation

    Listed on NSE, the Foundation provides vocational skills and products to increase the employability and productivity of the youth.

    4. Krushi Vikas Va Gramin Prashikshan Sanstha

    Listed on NSE, this organisation aims at the betterment of rural, semi-rural, and diversifying urban communities depending on agri and nonfarm-based activities for their livelihood.

    5. Lighthouse Communities Foundation

    The foundation, listed on BSE, enables livelihoods for all.

    6. Masoom Trust

    Listed on NSE, it empowers, strengthen and transform night schools to empower youth.

    7. Missing Link Trust

    It is listed on both NSE and BSE and engages with the public on the issue of sex trafficking and missing girl child.

    8. Mukti

    It is listed on NSE and helps the poor and distressed across the globe.

    9. Opportunity Foundation Trust

    It is listed on both NSE and BSE and works to help lift girl children out of poverty through education.

    10. People’s Rural Education Movement

    Listed on BSE, it is working for the development of Adivasi (indigenous), Dalit, Fisher folk and other marginalized communities of Odisha and neighbouring states of India.

    11. Possit Skill Organisation

    Listed on both NSE and BSE, it supports unemployed youth to harness their talent and develop their market-oriented skills.

    12. Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust

    Listed on NSE, this trust looks at tackling the problems of poverty in Mumbai, especially among young children.

    13. Saath Charitable Trust

    Listed on BSE, it works with the deprived communities and empowers the socially marginalised by providing them livelihood services, and imparts skills.

    14. Score Livelihood Foundation

    Listed on NSE, it empowers communities with sustainable and inclusive livelihood options.

    16. SGBS Unnati Foundation

    Listed on both NSE and BSE, it works towards equipping underprivileged youths and providing employment.

    17. Supporting Association for Thematic and Holistic Initiatives (SATHI)

    Listed on BSE, it helps improving the lives of individuals, especially women and children.

    18. United Way of Delhi

    Listed on NSE, it helps individuals achieve their potential through education, financial stability, and access to health.

    19. United Way Mumbai

    Listed on NSE, it helps individuals achieve their potential through education, financial stability, and access to health.

    20. Voice Society

    Listed on NSE, it is a Voluntary Action Group of Academicians, Professionals and Volunteers who work to raise awareness amongst Indian consumers about their own Consumer Rights.

    The other social organisations listed on the stock exchanges include Vatsalya Trust, Samvedna Development Society, and Shri JagatBharti Education and Charitable Trust.

    An SSE is an electronic fundraising platform that allows an alternative fundraising option for social enterprises. Meanwhile, the listing process for SSEs works similarly to an initial public offering (IPO). The difference here is instead of allotted shares, participants will get Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instruments.

    At present, the social-development sector in India receives funding through multiple sources spanning corporate social responsibility (CSR), philanthropy, government funding and retail charity. An SSE would attempt to bring coherence across to diverse platforms with uniform frameworks of funding, utilisation, impact-creation, measurement, disclosures, and reporting.

    It may be noted that the BSE received a final approval from the regulator SEBI to launch SSE as a separate segment in December 2022, while NSE in February this year.

    This concept is still very new to India and was introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Union Budget speech for the financial year 2019-20. Globally, countries like Brazil, Canada, Jamaica, Portugal, South Africa, Singapore and the UK already have established SSEs.

  • Bayer, GenZero and Shell collaborate to reduce methane emissions in rice cultivation

    Bayer, GenZero and Shell collaborate to reduce methane emissions in rice cultivation

    With this collaboration in place, the program in its first year aims to significantly scale up its coverage to 25,000 hectares of rice cultivation in the ongoing 2023-24 crop year.

    Paddy rice cultivation is responsible for approximately 10 percent of global methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential over 27 times that of carbon dioxide.

    Global life sciences firm Bayer has parterned with a Temasek-owned investment platform firm GenZero and Shell Energy India to reduce methane emissions in rice cultivation in India.

    With this collaboration in place, the program in its first year aims to significantly scale up its coverage to 25,000 hectares of rice cultivation during the Kharif 2023 and Rabi 2023-24 seasons.

    “With this program, we aim to get more insights into how regenerative agricultural practices can contribute to mitigating climate change by way of methane emission reductions, water conservation, soil health improvements and drive sustainable development of smallholder farmers,” said Simon-Thorsten Wiebusch, Country Divisional Head, Crop Science Division of Bayer for India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

    Having the expertise and support of organizations like GenZero, Shell, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and others will go a long way in developing the ecosystem for faster adoption of such sustainable practices, he said.

    According to Bayer, any success achieved during this first year will pave the way for the implementation of an even larger-scale sustainable rice project. Beyond greenhouse gas reduction, the program is expected to generate other benefits such as water savings, soil health improvement, and enhanced community livelihoods for smallholder rice farmers.

    The proposed approach will include training, support, and guidance for smallholder farmers while utilizing Measurement, Reporting & Verification (MRV) mechanisms incorporating remote sensing technology. The project aims to set a benchmark for similar efforts in the rice decarbonization space.

    Paddy rice cultivation is responsible for approximately 10 percent of global methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential over 27 times that of carbon dioxide.

    Rice farms occupy 15 percent of global farm area, equivalent to more than 150 million hectares worldwide. It also consumes around one-third of the global fresh water. To address the challenges of climate change and limit global temperature rise, a significant and scalable effort is required to promote methane emissions reductions in rice cultivation.

    Bayer over the last two years has already done the necessary groundwork and initiated a pilot Sustainable Rice Project across India. It started with an aim to generate carbon reductions by encouraging rice farmers to switch from the current practice of transplanting with continuously flooding fields to Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) that involves controlled and intermittent flooding and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) that involves no transplanting operations and very limited flooding.

     To ensure scientific accuracy and credibility, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), a globally renowned scientific institution, will provide valuable support in conducting scientific assessments of greenhouse gas reductions, water use reductions, and improvements in soil health.

    Speaking about the collaborative initiative with Bayer, IRRI Deputy Director General for Research, Ajay Kohli said, “Public-private partnerships are an effective way to transform food systems, leveraging the strengths and resources of both sectors to achieve common goals.”

    Such partnerships in agricultural science can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of research and development. By combining the strengths and resources of both sectors, and also sharing knowledge and capacity-building, thus enhancing the overall productivity and sustainability of the agricultural sector, he added.