The Sustainability Report for 2024, titled ‘Greener Pathways- Fostering a Nature-Positive Food Future,’ demonstrates the commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship in the Indian market. Yara India, a part of Norwegian multinational Yara International- a big player in crop nutrition and provider of comprehensive agricultural, industrial and environmental solutions, has unveiled its third Sustainability Report for 2024 through its Indian operations.
As part of its global sustainability initiatives, the organization has implemented numerous programs focused on farmers’ empowerment, climate-smart agriculture and inclusive growth.
This milestone publication represents Yara India’s third comprehensive sustainability disclosure, meticulously prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Universal Standards 2021. The report has undergone rigorous external assurance by TÜV SÜD South Asia, certified under BIS14489:1998 and ISO 14001:2015 standards. It thoroughly documents the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance across its Indian operations, with particular focus on its manufacturing facility in Babrala, Uttar Pradesh, and its extensive community development programs under the Kiran- A Yara India Community Initiative.
The report reveals the organisation’s substantial achievements in transforming agricultural practices while maintaining ecological balance. The company has successfully engaged more than 650,000 farmers through comprehensive agronomy sessions and innovative digital platforms including FarmCare and YaraConnect. These initiatives have equipped farmers with crucial knowledge and modern tools to enhance productivity while implementing climate-resilient farming techniques.
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. The company’s environmental conservation efforts extend to water stewardship, having successfully recycled 967 million liters of water, alongside afforestation initiatives covering 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.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment form a cornerstone of organisation’s sustainability strategy. The company is actively working towards achieving 30% women representation in senior leadership positions by 2025, while simultaneously implementing specialized programs to support women farmers. These efforts have already strengthened 379 women’s self-help groups, creating sustainable pathways to financial independence and community development. 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, fostering entrepreneurial skills and leadership capabilities.
The organisation’s community impact extends well beyond agricultural development. 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. The organization maintains impeccable ethical standards, with zero confirmed instances of corruption across its operations. This achievement is supported by robust governance frameworks including comprehensive Code of Conduct policies, Anti-Bribery measures, Whistleblower protection mechanisms, and strict adherence to Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) guidelines, with 100% of business operations regularly assessed for corruption risks.
Through this integrated approach combining environmental responsibility, social inclusion, and transparent governance, Yara India continues to redefine sustainable agriculture while establishing new benchmarks for corporate responsibility. The company’s initiatives demonstrate how business success can be harmoniously aligned with ecological preservation and community empowerment, creating a replicable model for sustainable development in the agricultural sector.