Archroma empowers local communities in Baroda with support for farmer livelihoods, rural women and students

“We empower our team to make a difference through impactful programs that are designed and delivered in cooperation with the communities,” Anjani Prasad, Vice President of South Asia, Archroma Textile Effects, said. “We are very proud to play a part in empowering hundreds of farming families and local students in ways that help improve rural livelihoods and rural sustainability and that indirectly benefit entire villages for the long term.”

Two-hundred farmers from the villages of Umraya and Luna, which neighbor the Baroda plant, attended a Kisan Mela, or Farmers’ Fair, organized by Archroma in cooperation with the BAIF Development Research Foundation. The event was an opportunity for farmers to explore the latest techniques and technologies in areas such as kitchen gardening, organic farming, irrigation, animal nutrition, and more, and to learn about government support schemes. Its overall aim was to help farmers, including women farmers, to enhance their livelihoods.

Today also marks the opening of the community Household Biogas Plant in the Umraya village of the Padra district, where fifty dairy cattle farmers and their families will benefit. It produces clean renewable energy from manure, providing fuel for household cooking and producing a byproduct that offers an alternative to chemical fertilizers. This environment-friendly system not only limits greenhouse gas emissions from manure and helps with proper farm waste management, but also saves famers’ money and helps improve soil health. Biogas significantly improves the life of rural women, who are traditionally responsible for collecting wood, making dung cakes for fuel, and cooking. With clean biogas, they avoid health concerns associated with burning dung cakes and save time for higher value tasks to support family income.

Another highlight of the day was the presentation of Archroma scholarships to ten students who were from the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Padra, Baroda. The scholarships will enable them to complete their studies and develop trade skills that will set them up in their future careers. The scholarship program targets young people from Umraya and Luna.

"We remain deeply committed to the communities in Baroda. We believe that by working hand in hand with our neighbors, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for all," shared Kavishwar Kalambe, Site Director - Baroda, Archroma Textile Effects.