ADM a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, has been honored with the Sustainable Agriculture Award 2024 by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Awarded under the category of “Farm Level Sustainability Initiatives while Sourcing,” this recognition highlights ADM’s continuous commitment to advancing sustainability and empowering smallholder farmers in India. Notably, this marks ADM’s third Sustainable Agriculture Award, reflecting its dedication to enhancing farmer livelihoods and environmental stewardship.
Organised by one of India’s largest and oldest industry associations, the FICCI Sustainable Agriculture Awards spotlight exceptional farmer engagement programmes that promote sustainable agricultural development. This year’s awards, under the theme “Efficiency, Inclusiveness & Resilience,” served as a platform to share best practices and innovative solutions in sustainable farming.
ADM earned this accolade for its groundbreaking programme, “Shashwat Sheti Upakram” (Programme for Phased Transition to Sustainable Farming), which was launched in 2021 in Latur, Beed & Dharashiv of Maharashtra. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with partners including Bayer Crop Sciences, Coromandel International Limited, a local women-led NGO called Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP), and the College of Agriculture in Latur, spans 36,000 hectares across three districts and connects 25,500 farmers. The programme equips farmers with knowledge of sustainable farming practices and integrates them into ADM’s organised food processing value chain. It adheres to the ProTerra Standard Ten Principles , promoting sustainability throughout the feed and food production system.
Key highlights of the Shashwat Sheti Upakram programme include:
- Empowering Farmers: Training and supporting over 38,000 farmer participants across three districts in Maharashtra in sustainable practices since 2021, with the help of demonstration plots and timely knowledge updates.
- Sustainable Practices: Promoting soil enrichment, integrated crop management, and efficient resource utilisation.
- Economic Benefits: Enabling farmers to increase productivity, reduce input costs, and enhance incomes.
- Increased Sustainable Sourcing: Expanding sourcing from sustainability programme catchment areas since 2020, reinforcing ADM’s leadership in responsible sourcing.
In a country where agriculture is the backbone of livelihoods and the largest consumer of natural resources, ADM’s initiatives align seamlessly with India’s sustainable development agenda. As the agriculture sector plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic and environmental stability, ADM’s efforts to empower farmers and promote sustainable sourcing contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting a more resilient future for agriculture in India.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Amrendra Mishra, Managing Director (Oilseeds) & Country Manager India, ADM, said, “We are honoured to receive the FICCI Sustainable Agriculture Award for the third time. This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team and reaffirms our commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture in India. By investing in innovative solutions, collaborating with stakeholders, and empowering farmers, we aim to build a more resilient and sustainable future for the agricultural community and beyond.”
