18106B1042 Prafull Korde Social Relevance

AN IMPACT OF CSR ACTIVITIES DONE BY
COMPANIES IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR
Submitted By
Korde Prafull Prakash
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF
Prof. Varsha Maheshwari
A PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF

MMS TO
VIDYALANKAR INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Wadala (East), Mumbai 400 037
MAY 2020
AN IMPACT OF CSR ACTIVITIES DONE BY
COMPANIES IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR
Submitted By
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF
A PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF

MMS TO
VIDYALANKAR INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Wadala (East), Mumbai 400 037
MAY 2020
Signature of Faculty Guide Head of Department

DECLARATION
This is to declare that the study presented by me to Vidyalankar Institute of Technology,

in completion of the Master in Management Studies (MMS) under the “An impact of
CSR activities done by companies in agriculture sector” has been accomplished
under the guidance of Prof. Varsha Maheshwari.
Date:-
Place:- Mumbai Korde Prafull Prakash

Master of Management Studies Department
Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Mumbai-400037
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the dissertation entitled “An impact of CSR activities done by
companies in agriculture sector” is a bona fide work carried out by Mr. Prafull
Prakash Korde in the Master of Management Studies Department of Vidyalankar
Institute of Technology, Mumbai and is submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Management Studies in
Finanace.

Associate Professor
Department of Management Studies
Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Mumbai
Forwarded by:
Dr. Amit Oak
Professor and Head

Department of Management Studies
Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Mumbai
Date:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My project on An impact of CSR activities done by companies in Agriculture sector

has been a great learning experience. I was exposed to the different areas of research in
social relevance and gained valuable experience, which I will always recall with a sense
of satisfaction and pride.
This is to acknowledge Prof. Varsha Maheshwari under whose guidance I have been
able to successfully complete this project and effectively come to a very successful
conclusion.
A greater share of inputs and data from CSR policy reports of different companies
made this project report possible to its rightful accuracy.
To all my colleagues who have helped me either directly or indirectly, I am grateful for
their valuable inputs. This project would not have been possible without their help.

INDEX
Sr. No. Name of the Chapter Page No.

1.0 Abstract 1
2.0 Industry Analysis 2
3.0 Introduction 4
3.1 The overall observation 6
4.0 Objectives 7
5.0 Literature Review 7
6.0 Methodology of Study 10
6.1 Findings and Discussion
10
6.1.1 Reliance Industries Ltd. 10
6.1.2 Tata Steel
15
6.1.3 HDFC Bank 16
17
6.1.4 Bank of Maharashtra
6.1.5 Mahindra & Mahindra 18
6.1.6 Cairn India Ltd.
19
6.1.7 The Rural Electrification Corp 20
21
6.1.8 Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd.
6.1.9 Container Corp of India Ltd. 22
23
6.1.10 Mahindra & Mahindra
6.1.11 Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. 26
6.1.12 Numdigarh Refinery Ltd.
27
7.0 Conclusion 28
9.0 Reference 29
An impact of CSR activities done by companies in Agriculture sector
1.0 Abstract
In the globalized world, integration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
in business is one of the great challenges faced by the firms today. Stakeholders require
much more from the company than pursuing growth and profitability. Companies
which aim to be, or are, leaders in CSR are challenged by increasing innovations, rising
public expectations, heightened social and environmental problems and continuous
quality improvement. They are forced to chart their CSR activities within a very
dynamic and complex environment. Engaging in CSR is perceived to be a good thing.
This project is completely focused on how the companies are contributing or
conducting their CSR activities in Agricultural field as we all know that the farmer the
the backbone of our nation’s economy. So this project gives the all insights about those
companies who done their CSR in Agriculture sector.
Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala

1
2.0 Industry Analysis
In the 21st Century, modern business organizations no longer work in isolation.

Their activities have an effect on consumers, shareholders, suppliers, employees and
the society at large. Corporations depend on the society and draw from the society in
the form of roads, educated workforce, railways, electricity, water resources and land.
Thus, it is their duty to contribute to the society too.
Thus, the main objective of corporations is no longer profit maximization. In

today’s age of corporate ethics development, it is the responsibility of organisations to
properly utilize the resources for the development of the community. There is a pressing
need to focus on accountability on the part of corporations not only on what is important
for the shareholders but the society as a whole. This is what has led to the emergence
of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Corporate Social Responsibility is a model or form of corporate self-regulation

whereby a company is responsible to itself, its stakeholders and to the community.
According to CSR a business needs to incorporate various social, legal and
environmental concerns in its operations and culture and be ‘socially responsible’.
Mahatma Gandhi said that “Wealth created by the society has to be ploughed back into
the society”.

2
The emergence of ethical business and social responsibility of business came

from U.S.A. and Europe in the 1990s and 1980s from the campaigns run by pressure
groups such as Friends of the Society and Greenpeace that are dedicated to protect
natural resources and create a sustainable environment.
Indian lawmakers have also given due importance to the concept of CSR. In
fact, India is the first country which has made CSR mandatory for companies in an
amendment to the Companies Act, 2013. It is gratifying to know that a number of Indian
companies have taken a step towards the development of the country.

3
3.0 Introduction
Indian Agriculture sector continue to remain shabby for the economic growth
of India. Although, the rising demand of food in domestic and global markets can create
huge possibilities, small and declining land holding, price volatility, soil degradation
and climate risks continue to trouble the farmers. Less opportunities and constraints to
improve the agricultural sector also affects the farmers income, especially the small and
marginal farmers. The overall development of agriculture needs to involve various
service providers such as private agribusiness companies, NGO’s in dissemination of
agricultural technologies with knowledge, skills, expertise and leveraging Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
Although, inadequate amount of CSR funds has been spent in the agricultural
sector by the companies, there is a huge potential for investment in this sector.
Companies can implement CSR project for agricultural development and income
generation for farmers. Such investment will help the agriculture sector to improve and
flourish. Major agricultural states in India are currently facing challenges in agricultural
development.
4
Odisha like other states of the country is facing huge challenges related to water
scarcity, soil degradation, productivity, rising costs of labour and energy. In a
significant move, PI Foundation, a Trust supported by PI Industries Ltd, BSE and NSE
listed leading Agri Input, Custom Synthesis and Manufacturing company, has
collaborated with Fiinovation company, a research-based CSR consulting firm to carry
out a CSR initiative. The primary agenda of the program is ‘Income Generation through
Sustainable Agriculture’ for the farmers in Odisha. Keeping in mind the objective to
improve the income level of the disadvantaged group of farmers, Fiinovation and PI
Industries foundation developed a model in the year 2016 to promote sustainable
agriculture in one of the backward tribal parts of the country in South Odisha. The
sustainable agriculture practices entail the adoption and mainstreaming of the Good
Agricultural Practices (GAP) among the small and marginal farmers. The intervention
is laying emphasis on agricultural practices that are cost-effective, sustainable and
require lesser amount of water, energy resources and labour.
The CSR Activities aims to skill over 1300 farmers giving hands-on training on
the working of seed drillers, sowing method, insect pest management, judicious use of
farm inputs and other extended services over the next two years, thereby
enabling agriculture on the sustainable lines of production in the Rayagada district of
Odisha. The focus is also on product stewardship. The farmers are being provided with
live demonstration on the field and effective boot camps are being organized to increase
farmer participation. They are counselled on the working of seed drillers, sowing
method, insect pest management, judicious use of farm inputs, product stewardship and
other extended services.
Farmers of these villages are now adopting the sustainable practices of
agriculture in their farming. The difference can be seen easily in control fields where
the intervention had not happened before.
Fiinovation focuses on implementing effective intervention design and selection
of the implementing partner. As a result, Harsha Foundation, a NGO ensuring
livelihood security and improving the quality of life of the farmers by capacity building
is running on ground program to provide hands-on training on different aspects of
GAP(Good Agricultural Practices). This includes agronomy, plant protection, nutrient
management, storages, sorting, forward market linkages.

5
Fiinovation plays a vital role in conducting monitoring & evaluation and impact
assessment exercises on regular basis to ensure the success of the proposed CSR
programme in farming. The next step is the distribution of inputs like fertilisers,
pesticides, seeds & sacks through farmer interest group. So far, 6 training sessions have
been conducted on seeds treatment training & POP. Also, 3 training sessions on seed
replacement & seed treatment, Value addition and market linkages, have been
conducted so far in the area to ensure a smooth functioning in the village. 45 Farmers
Interest Groups (FIG) has also been formed.
In the month of July alone, all the 1300 farmers started consuming the
vegetables in home and offered the same to their relatives. The surplus production is
being sold in local & daily market. During the month, two road side market hub called
“Green Market” inauguration was done at Bissamcuttack and Kalyansingpur block.
3.1 The overall observation in the area

It has been observed in the area that few of the farmers are still applying
traditional practices for agriculture. The difference of traditional farming and farming
through new techniques can easily be observed in the field. Through this initiative
the farmers’ income through sale of produce has considerably increased. The female
in the community have been able to make a better livelihood along with improved
quality of life.
Agriculture remains as a crucial sector in Odisha’s economy, both in term of its
contribution to State Domestic Product and employment, as more than 70% of the
population (Directorate of Horticulture) depend on agriculture directly or indirectly for
their sustenance. The targeted area, Rayagada district is mainly inhabited by the tribal
population which is rainfall dependent, agriculture is the major source of livelihood and
rains are quite unpredictable in the area. With projects like these, Fiinovation and Pi
Industries aim to create sustainable social goals and income generation through CSR
initiatives in the lives of the downtrodden farmers in such neglected areas. More
corporates should come forward and plan interventions like these in other agriculture
dominated areas of the country to the Agriculture sector to flourish.

6
4.0 Objectives
There we can plot several objectives from this project. But here we clearly
focusing on what are the CSR activities done by the different Indian or MNC’s in
agricultural sector and how this impacted to increase the level of Indian agricultural
sector.
Here we study companies and their work. If they partner with the any NGO’s
how it helping them.

7
5.0 Literature Review
Harjoto and Jo (2011) found that CSR engagement positively influences firm
value and operating performance. Hazlett et al. (2007) conducted a study on the
relationship between quality management and CSR. They found substantial evidence
demonstrating the breadth and depth of activities in which organizations engage, under
the broad headings of workplace, environment, social impact and economic impact.
However, while there is no doubt on the sincerity of the actions, approaches and the
activities, a strategic focus on CSR is still very much in its infancy. Jamali and Mirshak
(2007) studied CSR theory and practices in a developing country, Lebanon, and found
the lack of a focused, systematic, and institutionalized approach to CSR and that the
practice and understanding of CSR in Lebanon are still grounded in the context of
philanthropic action. Sharp and Zaidman (2010) studied the process of strategization of
Israeli firms and identified the differentiating characteristics of CSR strategization
processes, including the requirement for informative communications rather than
persuasive negotiations, and the absence of resistance within the organizational
community.
Laissez-faire expects markets to self-regulate and corporations to work for

social welfare for their own existence and benefits than others. So, CSR in other words
is very natural and for the survival of markets and corporations itself. CSR expenditure
in fact is a form of investment and it involves investing in education, healthcare,
building social infrastructure and agriculture etc.
The CSR intervention by corporate entities has been beneficial to agriculture. It

has not only helped in furthering the process of sustainable growth in agriculture but
also hasplayed vital role in capacity building, economic empowerment, rural
development and other social infrastructure in Nigeria (Oguntade & Mafimisebi, 2011).
The CSR initiatives by corporate in seven Asian countries have positive impact on
overall economic well-being. In counties like India, CSR initiatives have helped
agriculture sector to huge extent. Globalisation too has helped to intensify CSR
activities in Asian countries (Chambers, Chapple, Moon, & Sullivan, 2003). But the
CSR intervention in agriculture by private sector firms does not seem to cause any kind
of change in the composition of the national economy. However, the money spent on

8
CSR activities in agriculture sector are found to be far small in comparison to

contribution in GDP by agriculture (Kurokawa & Macer, 2008).
European experiences are the same like many other countries in Asia and Africa
when it comes to agriculture. CSR intervention in agriculture would help in sustainable
growth in agriculture and can contribute to improve the production of safe and quality
food. But it requires properly functioning supply chain (Mazur-Weirzbicka, 2015) and
is helpful in sustainable growth of agri-business (Kissinger, 2012).
The development of multi-facet partnership to carry out CSR activities in

agriculture sector seems to match the development of CSR itself. Instead of addressing
specific issues, a focus on broader issues in agriculture is more effective (Kambalame
& DeCleene, 2006). Private sector CSR initiatives need to have strategic objectives to
effectively and positively impact sustainable development in agriculture (Poetz, Haas,
& Balzarova, 2012; Hediger, 2013).
Though CSR is intended to benefit society but it is very important that projects
under CSR initiatives receive societal support. So, strategy part of the implementation
of CSR initiatives becomes very important for its impact on communities as it requires
informative communication and community support (Sharp & Zaidman, 2010).

9
6.0 Methodology of Study

In this project we did the study of all the CSR activities done by companies and
particularly in agricultural sector. So, we collected the information from all the annual
reports of companies and study their spending and how those are impacted on the
agricultural sector.
6.1 Findings and Discussion

Even before the Company Act 2013 mandated CSR spending, the practice of
CSR in India has been existed there since centuries; though not in modern form but as
religious duty for traders and manufacturers. For example, free stay at Dharmashalas
(inns), free water to thirsty at Pyaoos (water-taps), free food to hungry at Langar and
construction of waterbodies such as tanks, ponds and hospitals etc. are some examples
of traditional CSR initiatives in India. In modern day businesses, Tata Sons is believed
to be the pioneer of CSR in India in early 1900. However, in agriculture sector e-
Choupal by ITC (ITC, 2000) and Jai KisanKirishiSamrat Award (Zuari, 1985) seems
to be the first CSR initiative by any corporate. Following sections qualitatively analyse
the impact of CSR initiatives in agriculture sector in India.
Below are few projects done by companies in their CSR: -
6.1.1 Reliance Industries Ltd.

The VA is a democratic village level institution comprising both men and
women who collectively work towards efficient governance of the village. 560 VAs
and 3,000 leaders are helming the process of development. Dual membership per
household ensures that women are part of the development dialogue. The VA mobilises
and galvanises the community to plan, manage resources and execute development
projects. To execute these projects, the VA draws up inclusive village action plans,
ensures community contribution either in the form of finances or shramdaan, leverages
funds and maintains a relationship with the government and other agencies. All the
processes and practices of the VA are governed by the principles of transparency, open
decision making and accountability. Reliance’s institution building and leadership
development initiatives at the village level are creating steady, systematic and
sustainable change.
10
Value Addition and Market Linkages Through Farmer Producer Companies

The FPCs in Jasdan, Gujarat and Jamai, Madhya Pradesh have started creating
value addition by sorting, grading, packaging and processing agricultural and
horticultural produce. They have even started trading in finished products instead of
raw commodities with their own brand of groundnut oil. The oranges from Agar,
Madhya Pradesh and guavas from Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan are making their way to
retail outlets across the country.
The FPCs have successfully established linkages with various government

institutions such as NABARD & Department of Agriculture to leverage support for
farmer training, capacity building, raising working capital and acquiring finance to
purchase assets for FPCs.
The FPCs have established links with agri-Input companies and government
agencies to provide quality inputs at reasonable prices. The Kamareddy Progressive
FPC ventured into an altogether new business of hiring out farm machinery that was
purchased at `40 lakh, with 50% subsidy provided by the Department of Agriculture.
Four FPCs have received a collective equity grant of `35 lakh from the Small Farmers
Agri-business Consortium.
So far, Reliance has mentored the formation of 22 FPCs spread across 11 states.
Of these, 17 FPCs are registered with NCDEX and 6 FPCs are registered with e-NAM
platform for online trading of produce.
Till March 2019, the Reliance mentored FPCs have nearly 32,000 farmer
shareholders. During the same financial year, these companies recorded a collective
annual turnover of `40 crore.

11
WATER SECURITY
Water being vital for an agrarian economy, Reliance endeavours to make its
intervention villages water secure. Towards this end, 85.8 billion litres of water
harvesting capacity has been created, since inception, by constructing or renovating
water harvesting structures, including earthen/masonry dams and check dams, farm
ponds, open wells, etc. These efforts resulted in 434 villages becoming water secure.
Most of these villages have formed water user groups for managing and
regulating usage. The positive impact created through water interventions has resulted
in reduced drudgery for women, who apart from tending to their household duties, also
have to walk several kilometres to fetch water. It has also increased the land use,
cropping intensity, agricultural production and income for communities. Owing to this
effort, over 38,500 hectares of land have received assured irrigation for two cropping
seasons.
Reliance also partnered with several non-government organisations, including

Paani Foundation, to promote the cause of water conservation.

12
FOOD SECURITY
In an effort to ensure food security of small and marginal households, integrated

sustainable agriculture practices such as use of better-quality seeds, application of
organic manure, integrated nutrient management, integrated pest and disease
management measures were promoted.
Reliance has collaborated with different organisations to bring in innovative

solutions to enhance farm production. This year, Reliance piloted agricultural
production enhancement technologies such as precision farming, crop cafeteria,
introduction of stress tolerant crops, system of rice intensification (SRI), plastic
mulching and other practices to augment farm productivity.

13
WATER – CHANGING VILLAGE LANDSCAPE
Reliance has been supporting villages to improve their farm production by

ensuring sustained availability of water. Shivani BK, a small village in the district of
Yavatmal in Maharashtra, is a shining example of how collective action has reversed
years of human inflicted degradation of natural resources.
With contribution of shramdaan by the villagers, 697 million litres of water

harvesting capacity was created, which has resolved the drinking water woes of the
village and increased the availability of water all year round. This feat laid the
foundation for the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, leading to 200%
increase in agricultural production and augmented cropping intensity.
The motivated villagers participated in a state level competition to create water

harvesting structures, and bagged first place at the taluka level with a prize money
of ₹15 lakh.

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6.1.2 Tata Steel

Tata Steel Ltd. Formerly known as Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) was
founded by Jamshetji Tata is an Indian multinational steel-making company
headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Since its inception, the company has been a
brilliant example of social responsibility. It was the first company in India to
incorporate social responsibility towards its customers and the society in its Articles of
Association and the first one to set up a social audit committee in 1979 for measuring
social performance.
MISSION 2020 FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Tata Steel has been working towards the mission 2020 for agriculture
development to address poverty and food security issues by drastically increasing the
income of poor farmers. The programme has been initiated with the objective to
increase agricultural income of 7,000 households in the eastern state of Odisha. It aims
to do so by increasing the efficiency of tribal farming communities by giving them skill
base training and improving the productivity of the land through modern techniques of
irrigation, wasteland development, horticulture and dry land farming.
For this, the formation of various self-help groups was critical. The programme
also promoted women self-help groups to implement the project. The project was
successful in converting monsoon dependent agricultural land to a three cropland
through the establishment of irrigation systems. The project aims to convert 3000 acres

15
of land to three crop lands thereby reducing dependence on rainfall and increasing the
income sustainability. Apart from this, ponds and other irrigation facilities have been
developed for the benefit of over 344 farmers. About 60 acres of wasteland has been
brought under cashew, mango and lemon plantations in association with the National
Horticulture Mission and approximately 500 farmers have benefitted from vegetable
cultivation of 60 acres of land.
6.1.3 HDFC Bank
Project Title: Assistance to the Farmer
HDFC bank provided assistance to farmer in soil and water conservation, water
management, construction, renovation and maintenance of water harvesting structures
for improving surface and ground water availability, in partnership with the Village
Development Committees.
Company rejuvenated existing structures like ponds, wells, and constructed
check-dams. This activity has led to not only better
agricultural produce but also to an increase in water availability for domestic

use and rise in the ground water level.
Project Implemented By: Watershed Organisation Trust, Krushi Vikas Va Gramin

Prashikshan Sanstha, Community Advancement & Rural Development Society
Amount spent: INR 92.78 Cr

Location: Across India

16
Estimated Impact:
• Soil and water conservation work has been initiated in 550 acres of land.
• Other initiative benefitted over 140 farmer families. 65 acres land
brought under irrigation for the first time and 45 acres brought under
assured irrigation.
• Soil quality improved in 317hc.of land and reduced soil and water
erosion.
6.1.4 Bank of Maharashtra
Project Title: Soil and Water Testing
The Rural Development Centres at Hadapsar- Pune and have been undertaking
various rural developmental activities for the benefit of farmers’ viz. Vermi compost,
Re-development of Saline Soils, Soil Testing etc. Bank has established Soil testing lab
(STL) through MARDEF Trust at RDC Bhigwan. Farmers from the districts of Pune,
Ahmednagar, Solapur and Satara are taking benefit of the lab
A Trust, Mahabank Agricultural Research and Rural Development Foundation

(MARDEF) established by the bank, undertakes various projects and village
17
improvement programmes. MARDEF imparted training to farmers on various subjects

in Agriculture. Trust has implemented 94 training programmes for farmers at RDC
Bhigwan and Hadapsar.
Project Implemented By: Mahabank Agricultual Research & Rural Development

Foundation (MARDEF)

Location: Maharashtra
Estimated Impact:
The Soil Testing Laboratory has analyzed 7418 Soil and Water samples in the
year 2015-16 and accordingly counselling is done. This has helped the farmers in the
surrounding area of four districts to know health of their soil & water and to overcome
the deficiencies /improve the health of soil. Various activities have benefited 2,363
farmers from April 2015 to March, 2016.
6.1.5 Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Project Title: Krishi Mitra
Company helped small and marginal farmers by training them in effective

farming practices including soil health, crop planning, creating model farms with bio-
dynamic farming practices, thereby increasing crop productivity, through the Wardha
Family Farming Project, Krishi Mitra and Integrated Watershed Development Project.

18
The program includes soil testing, advisory services, drip irrigation, community
farming, seed culture farming, Agri extension services, infrastructure development and
capacity building resulting in improvement in agricultural productivity.
Project Implemented By: Swades Foundation, BAIF Development Research

Foundation, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth

Location: Raigad - Maharashtra, Sagar, Tikamgarh - Madhya Pradesh, Ajmer, And
Alwar – Rajasthan, Others: Mankepada
Estimated Impact:
Kirshi Mitr benefited 49,635 farmers.
6.1.6 Cairn India Limited

Project Title: Agricultural Skilling
Cairn India perseveres for holistic development of local community by focusing

on farm development. The programme is aimed at increasing incomes of farming
community around sites through productivity enhancement of agriculture and livestock.
To address the shortage of skills in agriculture and allied occupations in Barmer,

the project created a cadre of entrepreneurial farmers or local youth. At the end of 2015,
19
the first batch of 21 Cairn AgroFellows graduated to start their own enterprise,
including dairying, goat farming, mushroom farming, and to work as a field extension
worker.
The dairy cooperative programme has been significantly expanded with an

increase in daily milk production to 9,500 litres per day with the set-up of five Bulk
Milk Coolers.
Project Implemented By: Cairn India Limited (Directly)

Location: Rajasthan, Gujarat
Estimated Impact:
A total of 476 rain channels (or wadis) have been established, 200 farmers
supported through drip irrigation. The project has established more than 240 individual
khadins, benefiting some 270 farmers over 600 hectares of land spread across 28
villages. Construction of two community khadins converted 140 hectares of hitherto
barren and fallow land into a cultivable land for 74 farm families.
6.1.7 The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited
Project Title: Farmer Centric Watershed Management.
Company developed Farmer Centric Watershed Management. The Rural

Electrification Corporation Limited, Hyderabad, Telangana, India has supported the
ICRISAT-led consortium to develop “Model Sites of Learning” in Mahabubnagar
district in Telangana state and Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh with an aim to
sustainably increase agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of the rural
poor in vulnerable rain-fed areas.
A participatory integrated watershed management approach is one of the tested,
sustainable, and eco-friendly options available for upgrading rain-fed agriculture for
sustainable intensification.

20
Project Implemented By: Implementing Agencies.

Location: Mahboobnagar and Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Estimated Impact:
The project duration is 5 years, 2nd year operation is completed 3rd year
operation is under implementation.
6.1.7 Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd.

Project Title: Farmer support programme
Adani Foundations CSR wing is engaged in the agricultural and animal

husbandry sectors. The Foundation collaborated with the KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra)
and took 30 farmers from five villages of Mundra on an exposure tour to make them
aware about agriculture technologies.
The Foundation, along with 1,050 farmers from 35 villages of Tiroda region,
effectively implemented an SRI (System of Rice Intensification). Adani Foundation
empowered them with training in low-water, labour-intensive and organic methods.

21
Under its SLD (Sustainable Livelihood Development) programme, Adani Foundation

supported farmers by providing each with five kilograms of paddy (Siri NP - 405) seeds
and 50 kilograms of vermin compost for taking up SRI. The programme achieved its
prime objective of promoting organic methods of paddy cultivation. In the Tiroda
region, the SRI method assisted 1,000 farmers in reducing their cultivation costs by
33% and increasing their crop productivities by 51%.
Besides, 1,108 farmers and 5,464 cattle benefitted following the intervention of
the Foundation in association with the Animal Husbandry Department for regular
vaccinations, first aid, deworming, and infertility treatment drives in 17 villages of the
Tiroda region.
Project Implemented By: Adani Foundation

Amount spent: INR 1.6029 Cr (Some part of it)
Location: Gujarat
Estimated Impact:
Farmer support programme benefited 1,050 acres farmland and thousands of
farmers.
6.1.9 Container Corporation of India Limited
Project Title: Assistance to Apple Growing Farmers

22
In association with The Energy & Resource Institute (TERI) in the state of
Himachal Pradesh and other, 360 Apple growing farmers have been provided rain water
harvesting tanks including various equipments like anti hail nets, power sprayers,
pruners, planting material of high apple yielding varieties, etc. as well as technical
training that will help them in increasing their Apple yields .
Project Implemented By: The Energy Resources Institute (TERI)

Location: Kullu, Kinnaur and Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Estimated Impact:
Nearly 4,500 apple farmers have been benefited from such activities.
6.1.10 Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Project Title: Seed The rise
Mahindra and Mahindra launched 'Seed the Rise' - a digital crowd funding
campaign aimed at supporting Indian farmers who are seeing terrible times due to bad
weather and difficult circumstances. Flying Cursor Interactive is the digital agency that

23
has partnered in developing, launching and managing this campaign with the hope to
change the narrative around the agricultural sector.
Project Implemented By: Naandi Foundation, K.C. Mahindra Education Trust, Digital
Green, Swades Foundation.
Location: Vidarbha, Raigad - Maharashtra
Estimated Impact:
Project helped many farmers in their tough time and supported them in making
agricultural advancements.
9. Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Project Title: Wardha Farmer Family Project (WFFP)
Mahindra & Mahindra launched WFFP in April 2015. This project introduced
a new method of agriculture to the farmer. WFFP also helps the farmer to solve the
drought issue by implementing drip irrigation which ensures an economic use of water,

24
use of biodynamic techniques which improve soil water retention capacity and ground
water levels.
The Wardha Family Farming Project was launched by Naandi in April 2015.
Funded by different companies under the umbrella of the Mahindra Farm Equipment
Sector, this project is a response to the situation of severe agrarian distress in Vidarbha
region in Maharashtra, the farmer suicide capital of India. Through the several study
tours made by a senior Naandi team to different villages of Wardha, Amravati and
Akola districts of Vidarbha throughout 2014 and early 2015, the complex dynamics
between soil productivity, droughts, market conditions and farmer family wellbeing
began to become clear to us.
Rapidly growing acreage under cash crops, primarily cotton and soybean,
increasing input costs, uncertainty of the two ‘m’s – monsoon and market prices has
resulted in huge indebtedness amongst farmers in this region. The declining
productivity of soil has further added to the stress. In its first phase of the project,
Naandi proposes to demonstrate that a different method of agriculture and the
introduction of an entirely new high value crop can start to bring about changes in the
farmer’s economics. Naandi through its Wardha Family Farming Project aims to solve
the drought issue by implementing drip irrigation which ensures an economic use of
water, use of sustainable agriculture techniques which improve soil water retention
capacity and ground water levels and use of mounding which acts as a shield against
floods.
The unit economics for pomegranate cultivation shows it to be hugely profitable even
with conservative estimates. This is especially so when the method of cultivation is not
only entirely sans chemicals but also strengthens soil productivity and gradually
reduces the need for irrigation.
Project Implemented By: Naandi Foundation

Amount spent: 1 Cr
Location: Vidarbha, Maharashtra
Estimated Impact:
WFFP benefited 345 farmers from different villages of Vidarbha (Wardha,
Amravati and Akola District)

25
6.1.11 Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd

Project Title: Irrigation support.
Company initiated a project in partnership with IIM Ahmedabad for the

Installation of 100 solar water pumps of 5 HP capacities to encourage the use of solar
energy by farmers in the villages.
The lack of access to dependable pumping solutions hampers livelihood

improvements throughout rural India, but solar water pumps are emerging as both a
reliable and clean energy solution. The amount of solar power needed depends on the
specific water table depth of a farm; the further the water is from the ground; the more
power would be needed to pump that water up for irrigation. This in turn depends on
the geography of a particular region,
Project Implemented By: IIM Ahmedabad

Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Estimated Impact:
Solar water pumped helped the farmers in energy optimization, better use of
water resources and keep productivity high.

26
6.1.12 Numaligarh Refinery Ltd

Project Title: Farmers First
Numaligarh provided assistance to farmers of nearby localities for traditional &

alternate farming by way of providing fertilizers, seeds, tractorization support etc.
The community leaders of village Ponka situated 1km from the refinery were
desperate to help 175 cultivators increase their annual agricultural income. Opportunity
came in the form of NRL’s offer to promote multiple cropping, and all the cultivators
were included in the list of beneficiaries.
Project Implemented By: State Government

Amount spent: 0.2025
Location: Golaghat, Assam
Estimated Impact:
• The yield of farmers using System of Rice Intensification technique has

increased manifolds.
• Each benefi ciary received 1½ kg mustard seeds and 3 kg pea seeds to
help augment their income from rain dependent paddy.
• Cultivation of edible mushrooms in Golaghat district. This has benefi-
tted around 1,500 grassroots-level Self Help Group (SHG) beneficiaries.
During 2015-16, ten SHGs comprising 72 women were actively
involved. They produced 700 kg of mushroom that fiscal

27
7.0 Conclusion
Considering India’s agriculture profile and small land holding pattern,

sustainable growth in agriculture is already a challenge. However, coordinated
agricultural development efforts through CSR intervention as well as government
schemes could be a tool in addressing infrastructure and skilling bottleneck and overlap
in schemes. This can be achieved by making CSR spending mandatory on agriculture
sector and pooling of CSR funds to build and operate larger projects in supply chain
and other infrastructure projects for agriculture. It would help to accelerate the growth
agriculture sector and improve income of farmers. Tax benefit to donation to project
operating firms can be explored.

28
8.0 Reference
1) Sharp, Z., & Zaidman, N. (2010). Strategization of CSR. • Journal Business Ethics,
51-71.
2) Poetz, K., Haas, R., & Balzarova, M. (2012). Emerging • strategic corporate social
responsibility partnership initiatives in agribusiness: the case of the sustainable
agriculture initiative. Journal on Chain and Network Scienc, 151-165.
3) Kambalame, D., & DeCleene, S. (2006). Partnership • building as an approach to

addressing corporate social responsibility. Development Southern Africa, 281-287.
4) Chambers, E., Chapple, W., Moon, J., & Sullivan, M. • (2003). CSR in Asia: A seven
country study of CSR website reporting. International Centre for Corporate Social
Responsibility.
5) Rajeev kumar (2019), Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Growth in

Agriculture in India, Global Journal of Enterprise Information System, pages 3-6
Websites
1) https://indiacsr.in/corporate-social-responsibility-for-agricultural-
development/
2) https://thecsrjournal.in/csr-initiatives-benefitting-farmers-in-india/
3) https://fiinovation.co.in/corporate-social-responsibility-for-agricultural-
development-and-its-impact-on-income-generation/
4) https://csrbox.org/India_CSR_news_A-list-of-11-large-agriculture-CSR-
projects-in-India_48
5) https://group.bnpparibas/uploads/file/position_paper_soft_commodities_forma
t_corporate_final.pdf
6) http://www.icrisat.org/csr/
7) https://www.vskills.in/certification/blog/csr-activities-indian-companies/
8) https://www.ril.com/ar2018-19/report-on-corporate-social-responsibility.html#
29

18106B1042 Prafull Korde Social Relevance

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AN IMPACT OF CSR ACTIVITIES DONE BY

COMPANIES IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR

Korde Prafull Prakash

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

Prof. Varsha Maheshwari

A PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF

VIDYALANKAR INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Wadala (East), Mumbai 400 037

Korde Prafull Prakash

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

Prof. Varsha Maheshwari

A PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF

VIDYALANKAR INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Wadala (East), Mumbai 400 037

Signature of Faculty Guide Head of Department

This is to declare that the study presented by me to Vidyalankar Institute of Technology,

Place:- Mumbai Korde Prafull Prakash

Prof. Varsha Maheshwari

Dr. Amit Oak

Professor and Head

My project on An impact of CSR activities done by companies in Agriculture sector

Korde Prafull Prakash

Sr. No. Name of the Chapter Page No.

Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala

2.0 Industry Analysis

In the 21st Century, modern business organizations no longer work in isolation.

Thus, the main objective of corporations is no longer profit maximization. In

Corporate Social Responsibility is a model or form of corporate self-regulation

Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala

The emergence of ethical business and social responsibility of business came

Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala

Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala

3.1 The overall observation in the area

Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala

Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala

5.0 Literature Review

Laissez-faire expects markets to self-regulate and corporations to work for

The CSR intervention by corporate entities has been beneficial to agriculture. It

Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala

CSR activities in agriculture sector are found to be far small in comparison to

The development of multi-facet partnership to carry out CSR activities in

Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala

6.0 Methodology of Study

6.1 Findings and Discussion

Below are few projects done by companies in their CSR: -

6.1.1 Reliance Industries Ltd.

Value Addition and Market Linkages Through Farmer Producer Companies

The FPCs have successfully established linkages with various government

Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala

Reliance also partnered with several non-government organisations, including

Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala

In an effort to ensure food security of small and marginal households, integrated

Reliance has collaborated with different organisations to bring in innovative

Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala

WATER – CHANGING VILLAGE LANDSCAPE

Reliance has been supporting villages to improve their farm production by

With contribution of shramdaan by the villagers, 697 million litres of water

The motivated villagers participated in a state level competition to create water

Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala

6.1.2 Tata Steel

MISSION 2020 FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Vidyalankar Institute of Technology, Wadala

6.1.3 HDFC Bank