The Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF), the CSR arm of Ambuja Cements is facilitating farmers to sell their crop residue to the company. It collects crop residue from Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) and uses it as alternative fuel resource. Under its agro-based livelihood program, ACF forms FPOs to enhance the productivity and profitability of all farmers.
This value chain routed via FPOs encourages farmers to gather the crop residue and produce biomass fuel for the company’s plants. So far, 10,000 farmers have been covered through FPOs thereby facilitating long-term sustainability for farmers and their families.
Neeraj Akhoury, MD & CEO, Ambuja Cements, said, “Community well-being is deeply ingrained in Ambuja Cements’ culture. Our efforts not only aim to enhance the socio-economic status of rural communities, they also aid in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.”
The company uses latest technology for Juliflora Biomass cutting and chopping. The technology was designed by farmer groups and fabricated at a local level. It helps farmers save on costs as it requires minimal maintenance. By purchasing biomass fuel for its plant operations, Ambuja Cements generates a multiplier effect by creating resources for farmers and farm labourers to earn from their waste and boost incomes.
Prahlad Baoria, a farmer, was able to improve his quality of life after joining Balaji Farmer Producer Company, a partner of ACF. He earns Rs. 30,000 additional income a month from this initiative. He was able to clear his debts and also employs more than 10 workers. He is now able to send his children to private schools and fund his wife’s entrepreneurial dream by opening a cosmetic shop.
Ambuja Cements Ltd. is a member of Holcim, the global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. Among the leading cement companies in India with a capacity of 29.65 million tons, Ambuja Cement has five integrated cement manufacturing plants and eight cement grinding units across the country.
