Fueled by the company’s purpose “to responsibly solve for a better world” and deep commitment to social programs focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Ashland teamed up with the
The collective goal was to increase the volume of guar harvested annually through educational programs and scientific solutions for sustainable farming, while respecting the sourcing relationships and local cultures of small village farmers in the Sriganganagar district of
The pilot program included 250 farms from 10 villages. Using modern technologies, farmers were taught sustainable agronomic practices and water conservation. The program’s successful results include helping farmers lower their production cost while increasing their crop yield approximately 30 percent. In addition, the program has helped increase farmers’ income, thus expanding the local economy in the small villages.
At the same time, Ashland’s commitment to gender equality led to specific training focused on the local female population to empower them, improve their technical knowledge and skills, and help elevate their standard of living. Based on the success of the pilot, Ashland is moving forward with plans to increase the number of farms to 5,000 by 2025.
In addition to aiding the farmers with guar production, Ashland’s Responsible Solvers™ mindset led the team to also provide training and other technical guidance for mustard and wheat crops during the guar off-season. This training also improved the yield of these crops, making a holistic impact on the farmers’ annual income. More than a year ago, Ashland integrated environment, social and governance (ESG) principles into the company’s strategic operating plans. The company has taken an earnest and heartfelt approach towards sustainability and the local communities in which it operates as it continues to intensify its focus on ESG.
“Our commitment to profitable, sustainable growth includes a strong innovation culture, sustainability-aligned technology portfolio, goals for the environment, social initiatives, and continued strong ethics, compliance, transparency and governance,” said
Ashland plans to share more success stories and best practices from the Responsible Solvers™ program. To view the video and learn more, visit https://www.ashland.com/sustainability/guar and www.ashland.com/responsiblesolvers
About Ashland
About SM Sehgal
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- Ashland helps increase farmers' income, expands local economy through STEM education in
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Ashland Responsible Solvers™ initiative in Rajasthan, India increases farmers’ yield and income, lowers production costs, expands local economy, and positively impacts the environment
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Responsibly solving for a better world, Ashland announces innovative supplier partnership that powers sustainable, profitable growth for local farmers and small villages in India
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Ashland teamed up with the SM Sehgal Foundation to increase the volume of guar harvested annually through educational programs and scientific solutions for sustainable farming, while respecting the sourcing relationships and local cultures of small village farmers in the Sriganganagar district of Rajasthan, India .
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