Sustainable Farming Gains Traction in Gujarat as Pragati Program Celebrates Milestone

Sustainable Farming Gains Traction in Gujarat as Pragati Program Celebrates Milestone

(IN BRIEF) The Pragati sustainable castor bean program has achieved significant progress in its eight years, improving yields and enhancing the livelihoods of over 8,000 certified farmers in Gujarat, India. By focusing on sustainability, water efficiency, and gender inclusivity, the program has driven increased castor production and profitability. With future plans to expand its impact and celebrate its tenth anniversary, Pragati continues to set the standard for sustainable agriculture in India.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 5-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Pragati sustainable castor bean program, which marked its eight-year anniversary in the 2023/2024 season, has made significant strides in boosting agricultural productivity and improving the livelihoods of farmers in Gujarat, India. Launched in 2016 by BASF, Arkema, Jayant Agro-Organics, and the implementation organization Solidaridad, the program has resulted in more than 8,000 farmers now being certified under the SuCCESS® sustainability code, while individual yields have increased by up to 57 percent compared to government-reported figures for the region.

Currently, over 9,000 hectares of semi-arid land are cultivated under this sustainability framework, which has led to impressive advancements in crop yields and a reduction in water consumption—down by about 33 percent compared to conventional farming practices. The program also provides health and safety support to farmers through the distribution of over 8,200 personal protective equipment kits and 5,500 crop protection storage boxes. In addition, more than 100 medical camps were held in 2024 to monitor the health of thousands of farmers and their families, with a focus on improving access for women, who made up nearly half of the participants.

One of the key focuses of the program during this phase has been gender inclusivity. More than 1,100 women from 17 villages enrolled in the program in 2024, receiving extensive training in agricultural best practices, financial literacy, and digital tools. This commitment to empowering women farmers has been fundamental in driving sustainable growth and further increasing farm productivity.

As the program heads toward its tenth anniversary in 2025, its success is underscored by its steady increase in castor production, which topped 100,000 metric tons in 2024, a substantial increase over the previous year. Farmers are increasingly embracing castor cultivation due to its profitability, with more land being devoted to the crop as a result of the program’s proven benefits. Looking ahead, the Pragati initiative continues to focus on scaling sustainable farming practices and providing farmers with the tools they need for long-term success.

The Pragati program’s ability to boost yields, improve livelihoods, and drive sustainable farming practices stands as a testament to its ongoing impact on the local farming community and the broader agricultural sector.

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Media Contact:

Olga Hog
Global Communications Care Chemicals
+49 173 3478210
olga.hog@basf.com

SOURCE: BASF