Project Pragati, the sustainable castor programme being implemented over the past six years in Gujarat, has taught, audited, and certified over 6,200 farmers. By utilising sound agricultural methods to boost productivity and income, Pragati was established in May 2016 by Arkema, BASF, Jayant Agro Organics, and implementation partner Solidaridad. Its goal is to enable sustainable castor crop production.
Among other things, it seeks to facilitate better health and safety, encourage efficient water use, preserve soil fertility, and drive the adoption of effective waste management methods. After six years, the programme has resulted in the production of over 50,000 tonnes of certified castor seed and a 30% decrease in water use on demonstration plots.
In compliance with the Success sustainable castor code, more than 6,000 hectares are currently being farmed. Farmers from more than 80 villages in North Gujarat are currently taking part in the programme, according to a statement from BASF. Farmers in Pragati are increasing the amount of land they use for castor farming because it is thought to be a lucrative crop.
