Nurturing Communities

Agriculture

Our farmer engagement programmes are designed to strengthen agricultural capabilities through capacity-building, awareness initiatives, and the promotion of responsible farming practices. Implemented in collaboration with leading institutions and development partners, these programmes aim to enhance farm productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and facilitate access to quality-linked market opportunities. By empowering farmers with knowledge, skills, and sustainable agricultural practices, we contribute to improved livelihoods and long-term rural resilience.

Featured Initiatives

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  Namma Bhoomi, Namma Menasu

  As part of our sustainable agriculture agenda, we engage with farmers through two complementary channels: direct farmer engagement programs and partnership-led interventions through the CII Foundation. These initiatives are designed to build farmer capabilities, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and create long-term positive impact at scale.

  Through our direct engagement programs, in FY 2025-26, we have trained and supported over 725 farmers on key aspects of sustainable farming like efficient pest control, improved crop management practices, and responsible use of agricultural inputs. These efforts help farmers enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact.

  In parallel, through our collaboration with the CII Foundation, we are significantly expanding our outreach, with a target to engage 5,000 farmers in 3 years, of which 1,500 farmers have already been onboarded in FY 2025-26. The program focuses on practical, field-based capacity building that enables farmers to reduce dependence on chemical inputs, improve soil health, optimise input costs, and adopt more resilient and sustainable farming practices.

  Together, these initiatives strengthen agricultural livelihoods and contribute to the broader goal of building a more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural ecosystem.

Resource Stewardship

We recognise that the sustainable management of resources is fundamental to the well-being of both communities and the environment. Our Resource Stewardship initiatives focus on strengthening water security, promoting responsible waste management, enhancing environmental awareness, and supporting livelihood and skill development opportunities. Through collaborative partnerships and community-driven programmes, we work to build resilience, improve quality of life, and encourage the responsible use of resources. By empowering individuals with knowledge, skills, and opportunities, we aim to contribute to inclusive growth and long-term sustainable development.

Featured Initiatives

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  Namma Nela, Namma Jala

  We undertake rainwater harvesting and water conservation initiatives to improve groundwater recharge and promote sustainable access to water resources for local communities. Through the creation and restoration of community and farm ponds, the project strengthens local water security, enhances groundwater availability, and builds resilience against water scarcity. Implemented in partnership with a leading NGO in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the initiative created a cumulative rainwater harvesting capacity of over 110 million litres across Bengaluru and Guntur through projects undertaken in 2022 and 2024, benefiting approximately 7,000 individuals.

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  Love Plastic

  Love Plastic is a school-based environmental awareness and plastic waste management initiative designed to promote sustainable waste practices among students. Through education on waste segregation, responsible plastic consumption, and recycling, the programme empowers students to collect plastic waste from their homes and communities and channel it for proper recycling. In Academic Year 2025–26, the initiative reached over 900,000 students across 3,500 schools in Kerala, helping create awareness and foster sustainable habits among young learners.

Nutrition and Wellness

We support large-scale nutrition initiatives aimed at improving access to nutritious food and enhancing community health outcomes. Through programmes such as mid-day meal initiatives and the tribal nutrition programme, we seek to address malnutrition and anaemia among underserved communities, particularly children and tribal populations.

Featured Initiatives

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  Namma Makkalu, Namma MTR

  Orkla India’s partnership with the Akshaya Patra Foundation started in 2014 to provide nutritious meals to underprivileged children, motivating them to pursue their education, and have sponsored over 14 million meals till date, reaching over 70,000 children. During the Academic Year 2025-26, we have sponsored approx. 3 million meals, aiding over 13,000 children.

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  Shishu Poshanam

  The Shishu Poshanam Project aims to improve the health and nutritional well-being of approximately 1,800 tribal children across 1,500 households in Attapadi, Kerala. Implemented over a three-year period, the project seeks to address critical health challenges by reducing anaemia among children by 50% and lowering malnutrition levels by 40%. Through targeted nutrition interventions, health awareness initiatives, and community engagement, the project strives to create a healthier and more resilient future for children in the region.

Employee Volunteering

Our Employee Volunteering programme encourages employees to actively participate in social and environmental initiatives through meaningful community engagement. By providing opportunities to contribute directly to selected CSR projects, the programme helps foster stronger connections between employees and the communities we serve, while creating greater awareness of local needs and challenges. Through hands-on involvement, employees gain valuable insights into the impact of our initiatives, contribute to programme effectiveness through feedback and observations, and play an active role in advancing our commitment to social responsibility.

Emergency Relief

Supporting communities in times of crisis remains an important part of our CSR commitment. Through our Emergency Access and Relief initiatives, we provide support during natural calamities and humanitarian emergencies, with a focus on rehabilitation, recovery, and long-term resilience.

Featured Initiatives

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  One with Wayanad

  Following the floods in Wayanad, Kerala, in July 2024, we partnered with the district administration to contribute to post-disaster rehabilitation efforts beyond immediate relief.

  As part of this initiative, 16 flood-affected Anganwadis were restored to help re-establish safe and supportive spaces for early childhood development and community well-being. The programme also included capacity-building interventions for Anganwadi workers and teachers, strengthening local support systems and enhancing community resilience in the face of future challenges.