Yara India’s 2024 Report Champions Climate-Smart Farming and Inclusive Growth

Yara India, a subsidiary of the Norwegian multinational Yara International and a leader in crop nutrition and environmental solutions, has unveiled its third Sustainability Report for 2024, titled “Greener Pathways – Fostering a Nature-Positive Food Future.” This report underlines the company’s unwavering dedication to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship within the Indian context.

Yara’s Commitment to Climate-Smart and Inclusive Agriculture

As part of its broader global sustainability agenda, Yara India has rolled out several initiatives aimed at empowering farmers, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, and driving inclusive growth. These efforts underscore the company’s mission to align agricultural progress with environmental preservation.

Prepared in strict compliance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Universal Standards 2021, the report has been externally assured by TÜV SÜD South Asia and adheres to BIS14489:1998 and ISO 14001:2015 standards. It offers a comprehensive assessment of Yara India’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, particularly focusing on its Babrala manufacturing unit in Uttar Pradesh and various community initiatives under the Kiran – A Yara India Community Initiative.

Empowering Over 650,000 Farmers Through Digital Agronomy

“The company has successfully engaged more than 650,000 farmers through comprehensive agronomy sessions and innovative digital platforms including FarmCare and YaraConnect.”

These digital interventions have not only increased agricultural productivity but also facilitated the adoption of climate-resilient practices, providing farmers with actionable insights and modern tools.

Driving Down Emissions with Strategic Supply Chain Moves

“Demonstrating its commitment to sustainable supply chain management, the organisation has implemented a strategic transition to rail transportation, achieving a significant 27% reduction in carbon emissions while realizing cost savings exceeding $205,000 in logistics expenditures.”

In addition, Yara India has reinforced its environmental sustainability efforts by recycling 967 million liters of water and launching afforestation projects across 7.4 acres of land.

“Looking ahead, Yara India has established an ambitious target to reduce its carbon footprint by 70,000 tCO₂e by 2026.”

Building Inclusive and Gender-Equal Leadership

“The company is actively working towards achieving 30% women representation in senior leadership positions by 2025.”

Its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment is also evident in its efforts to support 379 women’s self-help groups, enabling financial independence and long-term development.

Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs through Yara Leadership Academy

“The Yara Leadership Academy has emerged as a transformative initiative, having provided comprehensive 15-week accredited training programs to 699 youth- and women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.”

This initiative has been pivotal in nurturing entrepreneurial potential and building leadership capabilities among underserved populations.

Strong Community Outreach in Education and Healthcare

“The company’s educational initiatives have positively influenced more than 20,000 students, while its healthcare programs have delivered medical services to 6,389 patients.”

These programs reflect Yara India’s holistic approach to sustainability that extends beyond agriculture into community well-being.

Ethical Governance and Zero Tolerance for Corruption

“The organization maintains impeccable ethical standards, with zero confirmed instances of corruption across its operations.”

Yara India backs this with a comprehensive governance framework, which includes a Code of Conduct, Anti-Bribery Measures, Whistleblower Protection, and POSH compliance, ensuring that 100% of operations are assessed for corruption risks.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for Sustainable Agriculture in India

Yara India’s 2024 Sustainability Report showcases a strong integration of environmental responsibility, social inclusion, and governance transparency. By aligning its business operations with ecological goals and community empowerment, the company sets a high standard for nature-positive agriculture. These initiatives provide a replicable model for sustainable development, particularly in the Indian agricultural landscape.