Haryana Sustainable Crop Residue Management: Walmart, Flipkart Foundations Collaborate for Eco-Consciousness, Pollution Reduction

The S M Sehgal Foundation, in partnership with Walmart Foundation and Flipkart Foundation, has launched an initiative in Haryana to tackle crop residue burning. The project's focus is on implementing sustainable methods for managing crop residue and creating environmental awareness among youth. With funding from Walmart Foundation and Flipkart Foundation, the initiative aims to reduce pollution caused by crop burning.

The Walmart Foundation's part will train 15,000 farmers in 100 villages to reduce carbon emissions through sustainable residue management and improved farming techniques. The Flipkart Foundation's contribution will raise awareness among 5,000 children and young individuals in 60 affected villages, aiming to empower them to drive change within their communities. The initiative involves collaboration with local communities, emphasizes youth education and empowerment, and works with research institutions and social enterprises for a more sustainable future.

Here is What State Minister And Officers Say

Manohar Lal Khattar, the Chief Minister of Haryana, expressed the commitment of the Haryana government to discover practical resolutions for handling crop stubble. This commitment aims to enhance air quality for improved health and overall welfare. He mentioned the implementation of a comprehensive strategy involving strong and effective measures for managing crop residue, consistent monitoring, and awareness initiatives. Khattar commended Walmart Foundation, Flipkart Foundation, and S.M. Sehgal Foundation for their significant endeavors and anticipated the beneficial effects that both projects would bring to local communities.

Julie Gehrki, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Walmart Foundation emphasized the foundation's dedication to aiding the well-being of small-scale farmers in India. She expressed pride in collaborating with the Flipkart Foundation and S M Sehgal Foundation to facilitate the development of sustainable farming methods. These methods are aimed at producing positive environmental effects, enhancing the lives of farmers, and generating advantages for all involved parties.

Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Flipkart, conveyed that the Flipkart Foundation's objective is to contribute to communities' well-being and advancement while maximizing the positive effects on society and the environment. This partnership with S M Sehgal Foundation and Walmart Foundation aligns with their shared goal of empowering farmers and instigating meaningful transformation. Through this collaboration, they are committed to promoting sustainable and successful agricultural methods. They aim to achieve this by involving young students as change catalysts who hold the potential to create a brighter and more sustainable future. This, in turn, will have a lasting positive influence on the environment. Collectively, their focus is on fostering a more environmentally friendly and prosperous future by addressing the pollution impact caused by crop residue burning, which significantly affects the health of extensive regions in Northern India.

Anjali Makhija, Trustee and CEO of S M Sehgal Foundation, remarked that for more than twenty years, their foundation has been dedicated to promoting community-driven progress by assisting rural communities in India to enact beneficial social transformations. The initiative stands out due to its originality and involvement of women, children, and young individuals. In essence, the project will offer farmers assistance in enhancing soil health and boosting productivity. This support will encompass educating farmers about efficient fertilizer usage, selecting suitable seed types, embracing micronutrients, and expanding into sustainable crop varieties.