Diageo India launches agriculture programme

Diageo India has announced the launch of a regenerative agriculture programme with rice farmers in Telangana, as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and water use in its supply chain. Implemented in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, the programme will work with over 220 farmers from 15 villages in Telangana, covering over 500 hectares of land in the first year. The initiative is hoped to be further scaled in the coming years.

Reports highlight that 17 percent of India’s agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are generated during rice production. With broken rice being a key raw material in the company’s supply chain, promoting sustainable rice farming methods will further help Diageo India in reducing its scope 3 emissions.

The rice regenerative agriculture programme will support small-holder farmers by equipping them with training on sustainable rice production, soil health management, efficient water management, and will help build economic and environmental resiliency within local communities. To reduce scope 3 emissions, the company has identified and mapped key areas from where it sources broken rice. In addition, it has conducted lifecycle assessments to calculate emission factors and has begun implementing regenerative agricultural practices like alternate wetting and drying (AWD), direct rice seeding, and system of rice intensification. 

 Jitendra Mahajan, Chief Supply and Sustainability Officer at Diageo India said, “Our regenerative agriculture programme is aimed at supporting small holder farmers within local communities while building resiliency in our supply chain. This initiative is a step forward in our journey to championing ‘Grain to Glass Sustainability’, a key focus area under our ‘Spirit of Progress’ ESG action plan.”

Dr G V Ramanjaneyulu, Executive Director at Centre for Sustainable Agriculture said, “Our partnership with Diageo India is a significant step towards driving resource efficient farming practices and championing a sustainable future for rice production in Telangana.”