Agriculture and construction equipment firm CNH on Wednesday announced the launch of its CSR initiative 'Sustainable Environment Solution' across key agricultural regions in South India. The project has been introduced in Sindhanoor and Hubli in Karnataka, Gudur Manal in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, and Lalgudi in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.

SES focuses on agricultural extension and farmer capacity building to address the challenges of crop residue management. The focus of this initiative is to reduce air pollution caused by open field burning while encouraging farmers to adopt efficient and sustainable alternatives through mechanised baling solutions.

Narinder Mittal, President and Managing Director, CNH India, said, “Sustainable Environment Solution program reflects our commitment to responsible growth and sustainable agriculture. Managing crop residue efficiently plays a vital role in reducing environmental challenges and supporting long-term farm sustainability. Through this initiative, we aim to minimise stubble burning in a way that lowers air pollution, improves resource utilisation, and creates a sustainable model for crop residue management in partnership with the farming community. At CNH, we remain focused on advancing sustainable farming solutions that support the farming community and the environment.”

The statement said that the program was successfully implemented in northern India, marking a significant change in agricultural practices by enabling large-scale adoption of baling and reducing instances of stubble burning while also enabling farmers to earn additional income by selling the residue to industries and power plants. The crop residue is being used to produce electricity and methane for automobiles, contributing simultaneously to cleaner energy generation and a healthier environment.

The company said that the project’s successful model in village Kallar Majri in Punjab, which set benchmarks of zero stubble burning, was recognised by the Prime Minister of India during his Mann ki Baat program in 2018. Cumulatively, since the inception of the project, approx. 60,000 tonnes of paddy straw have been baled, preventing approx. CO2 emissions of 97,000 tonnes. In addition to enhancing stubble management through effective collection, storage, and transportation and promoting the reuse of agricultural residue for composting, animal feed, and biofuel generation, the effort seeks to limit open field burning in order to lower air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The program benefits agricultural communities and the environment by offering financial incentives, including carbon credits and the use of byproducts.

As per the company, the project will be implemented through a structured, multi-stage approach, including the deployment of complete baling infrastructure such as tractors, balers, rakes, and slashers to enable end-to-end mechanised solutions for farmers. This will be supported by awareness campaigns and capacity-building programs through workshops and field demonstrations, focusing on the environmental and economic benefits of the program. The company, through the expansion of this program, reinforces its commitment to preventing crop stubble burning through and promoting environmentally responsible farming practices.