Diageo India launches regenerative agriculture programme aimed at reducing carbon and water footprint in its supply chain

12 November 2024, Telangana, India: Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.), among the country’s leading beverage alcohol companies today announced the launch of a regenerative agriculture programme with rice farmers in Telangana, as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and water use in its supply chain. Implemented in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, the programme will work with over 220 farmers from 15 villages in Telangana, covering over 500 hectares of land in the first year. The initiative is hoped to be further scaled in the coming years.

Reports highlight that 17%¹ of India’s agricultural Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions are generated during rice production. With broken rice being a key raw material in the company’s supply chain, promoting sustainable rice farming methods will further help Diageo India in reducing its scope 3 emissions.

The rice regenerative agriculture programme will support small-holder farmers by equipping them with training on sustainable rice production, soil health management, efficient water management, and help build economic and environmental resiliency within local communities. To reduce scope 3 emissions, the company has identified and mapped key areas from where it sources broken rice. In addition, it has conducted lifecycle assessments to calculate emission factors and has begun implementing regenerative agricultural practices like alternate wetting and drying (AWD), direct rice seeding, and system of rice intensification. For example, implementing AWD practices can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 39% and irrigation water usage by 34²%. Additionally, adopting such practices will not only reduce scope 3 emissions but also help improve soil health, enhance biodiversity and reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers.

Jitendra Mahajan, Chief Supply and Sustainability Officer at Diageo India said, “Our regenerative agriculture programme is aimed at supporting small holder farmers within local communities while building resiliency in our supply chain. This initiative is a step forward in our journey to championing ‘Grain to Glass Sustainability’, a key focus area under our ‘Spirit of Progress’ ESG action plan. Through the rice regenerative agriculture programme in Telangana, we're actively working towards our goal of reducing value chain (Scope 3) emissions by 50% and water use by 30%. We continue to explore partnerships in line with our ESG action plan to expand the impact of our work and leverage synergies.”

Dr G V Ramanjaneyulu, Executive Director at Centre for Sustainable Agriculture said, “Our partnership with Diageo India is a significant step towards driving resource efficient farming practices and championing a sustainable future for rice production in Telangana. Regenerative agriculture practices offer a holistic approach to farming that can improve soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. By working together, we can demonstrate the tangible benefits of this approach for various value-chain stakeholders and the environment."

About Centre for Sustainable Agriculture

The Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA) ( http://csa-india.org/) was founded in 2004 with a mission to promote sustainable food systems that are ecologically, economically, and socially viable. CSA has pioneered experimental approaches by introducing innovative practices, processes, and institutions aimed at building resilience for farmer households against climate and market risks. The organization's primary work spans across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, directly engaging with over 50,000 farmers and supporting more than 200,000 farmers throughout India. CSA also manages Krishna Sudha Academy for Agroecology, India’s first Independent Research and Education Centre on Agroecology.

Climate change adaptation is one of the key focus areas of works at CSA, particularly in risk reduction, resilience building, and reducing net emissions. The organization has conducted several research studies and developed methodologies to estimate the ecological footprint of food. Additionally, CSA has initiated efforts to quantify carbon sequestration and establish connections to carbon markets in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

About Diageo India

Diageo India is among India’s leading beverage alcohol (alcobev) companies with an outstanding portfolio of premium brands. A subsidiary of Diageo Plc., it is listed in India on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as United Spirits Limited (USL).

Headquartered in Bengaluru, Diageo India has one of the largest manufacturing footprints in alcobev with 36 facilities across India. It manufactures, sells, and distributes Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell’s No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from India, bringing together global expertise and local pride to deliver innovative, world-class products and experiences to consumers. With a strong focus on driving a positive impact on society, Diageo India has been working on collective action to improve livelihoods, championing Grain to Glass sustainability, responsible consumption and nurturing the alcobev ecosystem, to contribute to India’s growth agenda.

For more information about Diageo India, our people, our brands, and our performance, visit us at www.diageoindia.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.

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Notes to editors:

^{1 * (Pathak, H., Bhatia, A., & Jain, N. 2014). Greenhouse gas emission from Indian agriculture: trends, mitigation and policy needs. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 39.)
2 Gao, R., Zhuo, L., Duan, Y., Yan, C., Yue, Z., Zhao, Z., & Wu, P. (2024). Effects of alternate wetting and drying irrigation on yield, water-saving, and emission reduction in rice fields: A global meta-analysis. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 353, 110075.}