Diageo India (United Spirits), a major player in the alcoholic beverage industry, has launched a micro-enterprise program to empower women farmers with small holdings in Nashik. The program aims to support 100 such farmers initially, providing them with essential skills and resources to address challenges such as crop loss and food waste, ensuring a sustainable livelihood.
In collaboration with Savitribai Phule Ekatma Samaj Mandal (SPMESM) as the implementing partner and S4S Technologies as the technical partner, Diageo India has launched this initiative to offer training, financial assistance, and equipment to empower these women farmers. The primary goal is to enable them to sun dry surplus produce and establish last-mile connectivity to consumers through the food supply chain.
This initiative aligns with Diageo’s Society 2030: Spirit of Progress plan, which supports local sourcing communities in building economic and environmental resilience. Moreover, it contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, aiming to halve per capita global food waste and reduce losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses. The program will concentrate on equipping women with the necessary skills to cut, air-dry, and solar-dry vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and ginger. The resulting produce will be supplied to hotels, restaurants, and ingredient manufacturers, establishing a complete value chain that ensures a consistent food industry supply and stable income for these women micro-entrepreneurs.
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Jagbir Singh Sidhu, corporate relations director at Diageo India, said, “At Diageo India, our commitment to Pioneering Grain-to-Glass Sustainability is integral to our Society 2030: Spirit of Progress ESG plan. This collaboration with SPMESM and S4S technologies exemplifies our unwavering commitment to empowering our communities while working with industries and stakeholders in agricultural supply chain to create tangible and lasting solutions. This initiative marks the inception of India’s contribution to our global commitment of supporting small-holder farmers by enabling them with opportunities to secure their livelihood.”
Dr. Pratibha Phatak, founder trustee, SPMESM, remarked on the collaboration, expressing, “We are delighted to partner with Diageo India on this transformative initiative to empower women while devising sustainable solutions to address food and crop wastage issue in Maharashtra. The potential for positive impact is immense, and we look forward to making a meaningful difference together.”
Additionally, Diageo India has implemented several water replenishment projects, including the construction of check dams, desilting ponds, and enhancing sanitation and hygiene by installing toilets in schools. The company continues to create a positive impact on the environment, having influenced over 59,000 individuals across 23 villages in Maharashtra.
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