Solutions for women’s livelihood and the environment
“Smart Irrigation and Ecological Farming”: a CSR project by Wacker Metroark Chemicals
The Sundarbans, where the largest mangrove forests in the world is located, are not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also a crucial part of the global ecosystem and are currently facing increasing pressure due to climate change. Rising sea levels and increased salinity threaten the region’s fragile ecological balance. Traditional, unsustainable farming and overuse of resources add additional damage to the ecosystem.
Wacker Metroark Chemicals is actively involved in promoting ecological sustainability and supporting local communities. An outstanding example of this commitment is the CSR project “Smart Irrigation and Ecological Farming” which was launched in October 2024 and is implemented until 2027 in the Sundarbans region – more precisely in Pathar Pratima Block, 24 Parganas (S), West Bengal in India.
Solutions for sustainable farming
For maintaining ecological sustainability and regular livelihood of the habitats in the Sundarbans region, Wacker Metroark Chemicals promoted an effective solution for water conservation and optimum usage of water through drip irrigation. In addition, usage of organic fertilizer like vermicompost and adaptive farming models are implemented among the women farmers of coastal areas which will enable them to generate a regular livelihood throughout the year as well as contribute to ecological sustainability.
Knowledge and sustainability secure women's livelihoods
The project aims at improving the livelihood of more than 500 women in rural areas and at the same time boosting ecological sustainability. This is achieved by implementing drip irrigation based organic farming. The initiative supports these women by forming self-help groups and offers training in areas such as nutrition garden, small farm improvement, seed bank development, land shaping, installation of drip irrigation system and rainwater harvesting tank.
Project implementation and support
The measure is implemented in cooperation with the non-profit organization Development Research Communication and Services Centre. Apart from the financial support of €35,000, CSR personnel of WMC engage in executing and monitoring the project milestones. They ensure that the funds are used optimally and that the objectives of the project are achieved.
Sustainability and social impact
The project contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) – among others SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Promoting ecological farming methods such as the use of organic fertilizers (e.g., vermicompost) and adaptable farming models does not only protect the environment but also creates a year-round source of income for the women.
The project “Smart Irrigation and Ecological Farming” is an inspiring example of how Wacker Metroark Chemicals positively influences society and environment by their targeted CSR measures. It shows that companies can make sustainable changes by innovative ideas and close cooperations.
Information on the project
- Duration of the project: October 2024 until October 2027
- Location of the project: Sundarbans region (Pathar Pratima Block, 24 Parganas (S), West Bengal, India)
- Involvement of Wacker Metroark's CSR: Apart from financing, our personnels are closely involved in executing and in regular monitoring of the project milestones and ensuring optimum utilization of fund.
- Funding: approx. €35,000
- 3 major stages:
- Baseline survey for vulnerability/capacity assessment and resource mapping
- Formation of SHG groups and skill development training on nutrition garden, small farm improvement, seed bank development, land shaping, installation of drip irrigation system and rainwater harvesting tank etc.
- Regular handholding to the beneficiaries and project monitoring