The BC Jindal Foundation, the CSR arm of one of India’s leading business conglomerates, the BC Jindal Group, has announced that its Farmer Livelihood Enhancement Program has benefited more than 5,514 marginal farmers across 1,168 villages in 13 districts across Maharashtra.
As part of this large-scale initiative that is focused on horticulture development, crop diversification, and capacity building for marginal farmers in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, the foundation has made a cumulative investment of Rs 21 crore so far and allocated Rs 5 crore in FY 2026-27. Implemented in partnership with Global Vikas Trust (GVT), the initiative aims to enhance farmers’ incomes through sustainable, agriculture-based livelihood interventions.
The BC Jindal Group, led by Shyam Sunder Jindal, promoter, BC Jindal Group, through its foundation’s initiative, is creating a significant impact on the farmers’ economic condition and addressing a systemic challenge in rural India.
“BC Jindal Group’s Farmer Livelihood Enhancement Program is committed to the socio-economic uplift of marginal farmers through agri-based livelihood intervention. The initiative promotes a shift from traditional cropping systems to high-value horticulture and sericulture, supported by technical guidance, market linkages, and modern farming practices in the Marathwada region. We hope to continue bringing a positive change to the lives of farmers in the region through this program,” said a BC Jindal Group spokesperson.
BC Jindal, in partnership with GVT, strategically selected the Marathwada region because of the severe agricultural distress caused by recurring droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, declining soil fertility, and dependence on rainfed agriculture. Extensive field surveys and consultations with Gram Panchayats and local communities revealed strong interest among farmers in adopting orchard farming and sustainable agricultural practices. To address these challenges, the project has supported over 84 lakh horticulture saplings so far and has planned 20 lakh plantations in FY 2026-27, including mango, guava, banana, lemon, papaya, mulberry, and custard apple varieties, covering more than 5,460 acres of farmland.
According to an independent impact assessment, beneficiary farmers now earn an average annual income of approximately Rs 3 lakh, with net profits reaching Rs 2 lakh per acre from horticulture and sericulture activities. This shows nearly a fivefold increase compared to average earnings from conventional farming.
Beyond economic benefits, the initiative has also strengthened climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Large-scale plantation activities contribute to carbon sequestration, improve soil health, and support long-term ecological balance.
“The initiative stands as a testament to the BC Jindal Group’s enduring commitment to inclusive development, community empowerment, and social equity, contributing meaningfully to building a more equitable and progressive society,” the spokesperson added.
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Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
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