BASF has unveiled the latest results from its Pragati project in India, the world’s first sustainable castor bean programme.
After six years, the programme has seen over 50,000 tons of certified castor seeds cultivated and more than 6,200 farmers trained, audited, and certified in Gujarat.
In addition, the year six yield was 22% higher than the yield published by the local government for this region.
Over 6,000 hectares are being regularly farmed in accordance with the SuCCESS sustainable castor code – more than 19,000 hectares cumulatively.
Water consumption has been lowered by approximately 30% in the demonstration plots where accurate measurement and control is in place.
Meanwhile, approximately 6,300 safety kits and crop protection product boxes have been distributed free of charge.
“Pragati farmers are increasing their land dedicated to castor farming as it is seen as a profitable crop,” said BASF.
Pragati was founded in May 2016 by Arkema, BASF and Jayant Agro-Organics along with implementation partner Solidaridad.
