Project Pragati: World’s First Sustainable Castor Initiative Transforms Lives of 10,000+ Farmers in Gujarat
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
A Green Revolution in Gujarat’s Castor Fields
In the sun-baked farmlands of Gujarat, India’s top spot for crops like cotton, groundnut, and world-leading castor production, something exciting is happening. Farmers here are leading a quiet shift toward sustainable agriculture with Project Pragati—the world’s first program dedicated to eco-friendly castor oil production. This initiative is changing lives for thousands of local farmers by teaching them smart ways to boost yields, cut down on environmental harm, and build secure futures.
Kicked off in 2016 by Jayant Agro-Organics Ltd. along with global giants Arkema and BASF, and backed by implementation partner Solidaridad, Project Pragati has grown into a shining example of how responsible farming can deliver both profits and planet-friendly results. Now in its ninth year, it reaches into Gujarat’s dry, semi-arid zones, empowering small-scale farmers—many of them women—with practical tools for smarter, safer, and greener castor cultivation.
"Project Pragati started with a simple idea: create real value for the farmers at the heart of the castor supply chain, not just for big industries," says Abhay V. Udeshi, Chairman of Jayant Agro-Organics Ltd. "Over eight years, we’ve shown that sustainability and strong earnings can thrive together. We’re making castor farming tougher against challenges, more inclusive, and ready for tomorrow. The on-the-ground changes make us proud, and we’re all in to expand this success."
To date, the project has trained more than 10,000 farmers and rolled out a proven blueprint for growing castor responsibly. This tough, high-value crop—native to India—fuels everything from medicines to lubricants worldwide, and Gujarat sits at the center of its global supply.
Key Wins in Sustainable Castor Farming
As Project Pragati hits year nine, it’s delivering big on sustainable agriculture in Gujarat. Here’s a quick look at the progress:
Massive Training Reach: Over 10,000 farmers now skilled up, with 8,000 audited and certified under the SuCCESS® standard (Sustainable Castor Caring for Environment and Social Standard). That’s led to more than 9,000 hectares farmed sustainably in the last year alone.
Bigger Harvests: Certified farmers saw yields jump 57% higher than local government averages in year eight, adding up to over 100,000 tons of certified castor seeds since 2016.
Smarter Water Use: On demo plots with precision tech, water needs dropped by about 33%, proving how efficient practices save resources in Gujarat’s dry lands.
Community Boost: Around 430 training sessions happened, plus over 700 lead farmers trained to mentor others. The team also handed out 8,200 safety kits and 5,500 crop protection boxes for safer daily work.
Health on the Farm: More than 100 medical camps served over 8,000 people, with nearly half being women, tackling health needs right in farming communities.
Building a Sustainable Future from the Ground Up
Everything kicked off with a 2016 survey of 1,000 castor farmers in Gujarat, the heart of the world’s castor supply. It showed castor as a smart, resilient crop with huge potential, sparking Project Pragati to help farmers while pushing for lasting sustainability. The focus? Better regenerative farming techniques, smarter waste and water handling, healthier soils and biodiversity, plus stronger health, safety, and rights for farm communities.
With its 10th year coming in 2026, Project Pragati is setting the bar for global agri-sustainability. It mixes age-old farming wisdom with cutting-edge science and worldwide teamwork, showing how Gujarat’s castor fields can lead the way.
About Jayant Agro-Organics Ltd.
Jayant Agro-Organics Ltd. tops the charts in castor oil-based specialty chemicals. For over 70 years, they’ve driven innovation in castor seed processing, green initiatives, and full value chain growth. Their research-heavy, farmer-focused style is paving a brighter, fairer path for industries everywhere.
For more details, check out their website: https://www.jayantagro.com/. Or email n.mehta@mavcommgroup.com.
(This story draws from an HT Syndication press release. Views are those of the provider.)
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
