Decarbonize Mint Supply Chains through Climate-Smart Farming

Indian mint cultivation has become increasingly carbon-intensive due to rising use of irrigation, synthetic agrochemicals, and fuel-based distillation, while global demand pressures are simultaneously driving growth in synthetic menthol production. For Norex Flavours Private Limited, a global supplier of natural menthol, mint oils, fragrances, and flavors, this created a dual risk: increasing Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions across the mint value chain, and the potential erosion of natural mint’s competitiveness versus synthetic alternatives.

Under its Net Zero 2050 roadmap, Norex recognized that continuing mint cultivation without fundamentally decarbonizing the cost and carbon intensity of farming would be unsustainable. Climate-smart agriculture was therefore identified as mandatory for long-term supply security, emissions reduction, and customer alignment—rather than an optional sustainability intervention.

Mint with Purpose (MwP) was launched to address this challenge through an end-to-end value-chain strategy that simultaneously decarbonizes farming and processing. The initiative integrates regenerative and intercropped farming systems, reduced dependency on synthetic inputs, improved water and energy efficiency, safer and energy-optimized distillation processes, and farm-level traceability to enable measurable Scope 3 emissions management. By embedding these interventions directly into Norex’s sourcing operations, MwP aligns farmer productivity, cost reduction, and climate outcomes.

Location: Mandi Dhanaura (Amroha), Uttar Pradesh, India

Norex anchored MwP as a facilitative, end-to-end value-chain decarbonization initiative to address rising emissions intensity in Indian mint cultivation and distillation while strengthening the competitiveness of natural mint within its global supply chain. The initiative functions as a governance-backed sourcing framework through which Norex enables field partners, research institutions, and farmer networks to adopt climate-smart and regenerative practices, improve resource efficiency, strengthen traceability, and transition toward safer, energy-optimized distillation, directly targeting Scope 3 agricultural hotspots and Scope 1 processing risks identified under its Net Zero 2050 roadmap.

MwP focuses on reducing emissions intensity by lowering dependency on synthetic inputs, improving yield and productivity, and enhancing energy and water efficiency across farming and processing systems.

At the farm level, the program facilitates adoption of early mint technology (EMT), intercropping, and integrated pest, disease and nutrient management, improving yields, reducing input use, and strengthening farmer incomes and resilience.

At the processing stage, it supports efficiency improvements in field distillation units, addressing fuel and water use and improving operational performance. A digital, farm-level traceability system underpins the initiative, enabling upstream visibility and laying the foundation for future Scope 3 emissions measurement and verification.

The initiative’s integrated climate, livelihood, and governance outcomes have been externally recognized, with MwP featured as a Case Study in the UN Global Compact Network India Forward Faster Gender Equality Compendium 2024, reinforcing its credibility, replicability, and relevance for sustainable supply-chain transformation.

Figure 1: Health & Safety training of farmers at Azampur

Figure 2: Free Mentha Roots distribution to women farmers

Figure 3: Modified Field Distillation Unit

Sustainability Impact

Climate

The initiative targets greenhouse gas emissions across both processing operations and the agricultural supply chain, contributing to reductions in Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions, while also enabling improvements in Scope 2 energy intensity.

Processing emissions (Scope 1)

• Upgrades to six mint distillation units improved operational efficiency and increased oil recovery by ~7%.

• Reduced fuel consumption per kilogram of mint oil produced.

• Expected 10–15% reduction in Scope 1 emissions intensity from distillation over 3–5 years, depending on utilization rates.

• Focus on efficiency and loss reduction ensures durable and replicable impact.

Energy efficiency (Scope 2 – enabling impact)

• Improved processing efficiency reduces electricity consumption per unit of output.

• Lower reprocessing and operational losses contribute to reduced energy demand.

• While not directly targeted, the initiative enables gradual reduction in Scope 2 emissions intensity.

Agricultural supply-chain emissions (Scope 3 – Category 1: Purchased Goods & Services)

• Primary emissions hotspot addressed through climate-smart agriculture practices.

• Key impacts include:

  • ~70% reduction in chemical pesticide use

  • 25–30% reduction in irrigation water demand (lowering energy for pumping)

  • Increased use of compost, vermicompost, and organic inputs

  • Adoption of Early Mint Technology (EMT) and improved crop management

• Together, these changes are expected to deliver 15–25% reduction in agricultural emissions intensity per kg of mint oil within 3–5 years.

• Ongoing traceability systems are strengthening measurement and verification.

Capital goods (Scope 3 – Category 2)

• Distillation unit upgrades involve capital equipment improvements.

• Short-term embodied emissions are offset by long-term fuel savings and efficiency gains, resulting in net lifecycle emissions reduction.

Transportation (Scope 3 – Category 4: Upstream Transport & Distribution)

• Improved processing efficiency reduces material losses and transport volumes per unit output.

• Leads to marginal reduction in transport-related emissions intensity.

Planting material systems (enabling impact)

• Established 39 commercial nurseries (24.4 acres) and ~800 farmer-managed nurseries.

• Reduces dependence on external planting material and shortens supply chains.

• Improves yield stability and lowers input intensity.

• While not yet fully quantified, contributes to indirect emissions reduction and long-term resilience.

Contribution to climate targets

• Enables structural emissions intensity reduction across Scope 1 and Scope 3.

• Strengthens data visibility and traceability for future GHG measurement.

• Supports company climate commitments, including:

  • 42% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2030

  • 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions intensity (from 2022 baseline)

Overall, the initiative delivers measurable and scalable emissions reductions while embedding climate action into core sourcing and operational systems, ensuring long-term impact beyond standalone interventions.

Nature

The initiative generates significant environmental benefits by reducing the ecological intensity of mint cultivation and promoting regenerative, ecosystem-based farming practices.

Reduced pesticide use and chemical inputs

• Adoption of Integrated Pest & Disease Management (IPM/IDM) reduced chemical pesticide use by approximately 70%.

• Farmers shifted from blanket chemical spraying to targeted, ecological pest-control methods, including:

  • Neem-based treatments

  • Sticky traps, light traps, and pheromone traps

  • Border and trap crops (e.g., marigold, sesbania, cowpea)

• Training on pest identification and safe pesticide use reduced over-application and improved crop quality.

Reduced water use and groundwater pressure

• Adoption of Early Mint Technology (EMT) and improved agronomic practices reduced irrigation requirements by 25–30%.

• Lower water demand contributes to reduced groundwater extraction, particularly in water-stressed regions of Western Uttar Pradesh.

Improved soil health and fertility

• Increased use of compost, vermicompost, and organic inputs enhanced soil structure and nutrient availability.

• Improved nutrient management practices strengthened soil microbial activity and long-term fertility.

• Reduced chemical load supports healthier soil ecosystems.

Enhanced biodiversity and ecological balance

• Use of biological pest control methods and diversified cropping systems supports beneficial insects and natural pest predators.

• Reduced chemical exposure improves on-farm biodiversity and ecosystem health.

More resilient farming systems

• Promotion of intercropping and integrated farming systems reduces dependency on monocropping.

• Shorter cropping cycles lower risks of waterlogging and soil degradation.

• Improved crop planning enhances resilience to climate variability and heat stress.

Resource efficiency and reduced environmental footprint

• EMT adoption increased oil yields by ~30% while reducing input and irrigation costs by 30–35%, improving resource-use efficiency.

• Lower input intensity reduces upstream environmental impacts linked to agrochemical production and use.

Farmer livelihoods and ecosystem resilience (co-benefits)

• Reduced input costs and improved yields enabled farmers to save approximately INR 9,000–12,000 per acre (2024–25 season).

• Improved economic resilience reduces pressure on land and natural resources, supporting long-term sustainability.

• Overall, the initiative supports a transition from input-intensive monocropping to regenerative and integrated farming systems, creating a more resilient agricultural ecosystem while enhancing biodiversity, soil health, and water sustainability.

Social

The initiative generates significant positive social outcomes across farmer livelihoods, worker safety, and community resilience in mint-growing regions.

Farmer livelihoods and income stability

• Improved agronomic practices increased yields and reduced input costs, strengthening farmer incomes.

• Farmers saved approximately INR 9,000–12,000 per acre (2024–25 season) through reduced input use and improved productivity.

• Enhanced yield stability reduces vulnerability to climate variability and price fluctuations.

Improved safety and working conditions

• Distillation unit upgrades improved operational safety through:

  • Installation of first-aid systems and fire safety equipment

  • Protective fencing to prevent unauthorized access and protect children and animals

  • Energy-efficient modifications (e.g., solar and cooling systems) reducing heat stress

• Reduced pesticide use significantly lowered worker exposure to hazardous agrochemicals.

• Increased awareness of occupational safety improved risk management and operational discipline.

Child labour prevention and worker protection

• The programme enforces a zero-tolerance policy on child labour across the sourcing network.

• Regular awareness sessions and monitoring ensure compliance and prevention.

• No systemic cases of child labour reported within the project area.

Access to social protection and public welfare programmes

• Approximately 1,800 farmers were supported in accessing government welfare schemes.

• Over three years:

  • INR 9.9 lakh (USD 12,000) accessed through PM-KISAN income support

  • INR 3.36 lakh (USD 4,000) accessed through pension schemes

• Improved access to financial support enhanced income security, healthcare access, and reduced reliance on informal credit.

Gender inclusion and economic empowerment

• Implementation of the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) trained 220 households, strengthening women’s participation in decision-making.

• 245 households established multi-vegetable gardens, improving food security and generating additional income.

• These interventions supported income diversification and women’s economic independence.

Community resilience and well-being

• Integrated support across livelihoods, safety, and social protection strengthened overall community resilience.

• Increased awareness, training, and institutional linkages improved long-term socio-economic stability.

Overall, the initiative contributes to safer working environments, improved livelihoods, and inclusive rural development, while embedding social sustainability into agricultural supply chains.

Business Impact

Benefits

The initiative delivers strong operational, financial, and strategic benefits beyond sustainability outcomes, strengthening productivity, supply reliability, and market competitiveness.

Improved agricultural productivity and cost efficiency

• Adoption of improved agronomic practices and Early Mint Technology (EMT) increased mint oil yields by approximately 30%.

• Cultivation costs reduced by around 10%, improving farmer profitability.

• Higher productivity per acre increased raw material availability without expanding cultivated land.

Stronger supply reliability and farmer engagement

• More than 3,000 smallholder farmers continue mint cultivation independently due to sustained improvements in net returns.

• Farmer-managed nurseries reduced dependency on externally supplied planting material.

• Increased farmer self-sufficiency strengthened long-term supplier commitment and continuity.

Improved sourcing efficiency and traceability

• Approximately 180 MT of mint oil is produced sustainably within the programme ecosystem.

• Around 90% is sourced directly to processing facilities, reducing reliance on intermediaries.

• Direct sourcing improved traceability, quality consistency, and procurement cost control.

Operational efficiency improvements

• Distillation efficiency upgrades reduced fuel consumption, operational losses, and energy intensity.

• Improved oil recovery enhanced output efficiency and cost per unit of production.

Risk reduction and supply-chain resilience

• Intercropping and improved agronomic practices reduced farmer risk and improved income stability.

• Enhanced resilience to climate variability supports consistent supply and reduced procurement volatility.

Stronger customer alignment and market positioning

• Farm-level digital traceability strengthened compliance with international sourcing and sustainability requirements.

• Increased transparency improved customer confidence and audit readiness.

• The initiative attracted participation from major global buyers, strengthening long-term commercial partnerships.

Strategic business value

• Influenced cropping decisions across 3,000+ farmers in Western Uttar Pradesh, positioning mint as a reliable, high-yield crop.

• Embedded sustainability into core sourcing strategy, enhancing brand credibility and competitive advantage.

• Created a replicable model for responsible sourcing, scalable across other agricultural value chains.

Overall, the initiative converts sustainability investments into tangible business value through improved productivity, reduced costs, stronger supplier relationships, and enhanced market positioning.

Costs

The initiative required targeted investments across farming systems, processing infrastructure, and farmer capacity building, with a focus on long-term self-sufficiency rather than heavy capital expenditure.

Programme investment

• Total programme expenditure to date is approximately USD 94,300 (INR 78.3 lakh), excluding employee remuneration, transport, and facility maintenance costs.

• The cost structure prioritizes adoption, productivity improvements, and scalability over one-time capital-intensive investments.

Key investment areas

• Planting material distribution: USD 50,900 (INR 45.8 lakh)

  • Largest cost component, enabling adoption of improved mint varieties, yield stabilization, and rapid farmer onboarding.

• Distillation efficiency upgrades: USD 27,800 (INR 25 lakh)

  • Invested across six distillation units to improve fuel efficiency and oil recovery.

  • Implemented within existing maintenance cycles to avoid full equipment replacement.

• Farmer training and capacity building: USD 15,600 (INR 14 lakh)

  • Covered over 3,800 farmers, supporting adoption of Early Mint Technology (EMT), intercropping, and integrated pest and nutrient management.

Community and ecosystem investments

• Gender Action Learning System (GALS) training: USD 44,400 (INR 40 lakh)

  • Strengthened household decision-making, women’s participation, and social resilience.

• Access to government schemes facilitation: USD 39,300 (INR 35.4 lakh)

  • Enabled farmer access to schemes such as PM-KISAN, PM-KUSUM, pensions, and other welfare programs.

• Nutrition gardens: USD 5,600 (INR 5 lakh)

  • Improved household food security and dietary diversity.

• Farmer Field Schools & demonstrations: USD 1,100 (INR 1 lakh)

• Integrated pest management interventions: USD 1,100 (INR 1 lakh)

• Safety measures (PPE kits, fencing): USD 570 (INR 51,000)

Operational and administrative costs

• Dedicated team of 15 agriculture and community specialists

  • Employee remuneration: USD 5,540/month (INR 4.6 lakh/month)

• Office and administrative costs:

  • Rent: USD 240/month (INR 20,000)

  • Electricity: USD 720/year (INR 60,000)

  • Maintenance, pantry, water: USD 72/month (INR 6,000)

• One-time infrastructure investments:

  • Office setup, furniture, IT: USD 11,100 (INR 10 lakh)

  • Field and training equipment: USD 2,200 (INR 2 lakh)

Cost structure and key dependencies

• Costs are influenced by:

  • Fuel prices (impacting distillation economics)

  • Farmer participation and scale of adoption

  • Irrigation access and water availability

  • Production volumes and yield variability

• Cluster-based scaling improves cost efficiency per farmer and per unit of output.

Economic viability

• The initiative does not rely on carbon credits or external climate subsidies.

• Commercial viability is driven by:

  • Improved yields and oil recovery

  • Reduced input and fuel intensity

  • Lower procurement risk and stronger supplier relationships

  • Increased supply-chain transparency and quality consistency

Cost optimization and trade-offs

Minimize costs by:

• Leveraging existing infrastructure (e.g., upgrading vs replacing distillation units)

• Integrating training and data collection into routine field operations

• Scaling through farmer clusters to reduce per-unit costs

Maximize benefits by:

• Prioritizing early adoption drivers (e.g., planting material support)

• Demonstrating quick economic gains to farmers

• Embedding the programme into core procurement and sourcing strategies

Overall, the initiative converts targeted, relatively low capital investments into long-term economic and sustainability value, enabling costs to be absorbed within normal sourcing optimization rather than treated as standalone sustainability expenditure.

Impact beyond sustainability and business

Co-benefits

Project MwP has generated wider community and institutional co-benefits beyond its climate and operational objectives.

1. Income diversification for smallholder farmers: The project has reduced dependency on single income sources by enabling smallholder farmers to diversify into commercial and year-round vegetable production. Consequently, these households have shifted away from relying solely on market purchases for vegetables, thereby enhancing their economic stability.

2. Shifts in Gender & Social Norms: The operational villages have strong norms around gender roles and power relations, and where gender and social inequalities continue to hinder development. In these contexts, it was critical to address gender inequality both indirectly and directly, and to do so in ways that are community-led and responsive to community needs and values. In this regard, Gender Action Learning Systems (GALS) was necessitated as one of the key interventions to help achieve gender balance for Project MwP. GALS training, through the use of a series of visual diagramming tools, has proven highly effective in helping farmers to change traditional gender roles, resulting in more equitable, productive, and collaborative household and farm management. Increased economic participation of women in mint and multi-vegetable farming has contributed in shifting household power dynamics.

3. Gender-Responsive Mechanization: The project specifically aims to transition women farmers from strenuous manual weeding to ergonomic, mechanical alternatives. By providing tools like soil cultivator and soil miller through Farmer Field Schools (FFS), the initiative targets the physical drudgery that disproportionately affects women in mint farming. These tools decrease labour time by up to 20%, increase weeding efficiency, promote better posture (standing instead of squatting), reduce energy expenditure, and empower women farmers by mitigating the health risks of manual weeding.

4. Provision of high quality planting material: The distribution of approximately 153 MT of quality mint planting material (CIM-UNNATI) supported more than 3800 farmers to access improved planting material, enhancing crop consistency, yield performance, and disease resistance. This reduced agronomic risk while improving farmer confidence and long-term income stability.

Together, these actions strengthen rural capability, improve knowledge access, expand gender inclusion, and build durable, trust-based relationships across the mint sourcing network.

Potential side-effects

The transition to regenerative and traceable mint cultivation may present short-term adjustment challenges for farmers. Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers can initially create uncertainty around yield stability, particularly during early adoption phases. To address this, the company provides phased training, demonstration plots, and ongoing agronomic support to reduce transition risk and maintain productivity.

Infrastructure upgrades at distillation units required temporary operational adjustments and capital allocation. To minimize disruption, modifications were integrated into scheduled maintenance cycles and implemented in phases.

The company addresses this by standardizing training modules, ensuring equal access to root distribution, and monitoring participation levels across clusters.

There is also a potential risk that increased traceability requirements could place administrative burden on smallholder farmers. To mitigate this, data collection processes are simplified and supported by field teams rather than relying solely on farmers for reporting.

By combining structured training, phased implementation, and inclusive engagement practices, the initiative manages transition risks while maintaining equity and long-term community trust.

Typical business profile

This initiative is most relevant for companies with agricultural or bio-based raw material supply chains where a significant portion of emissions originates upstream in Scope 3.

It is particularly applicable to:

• Flavour, fragrance, essential oil, food ingredient, and plant-based extract manufacturers

• Companies sourcing from smallholder farmers

• Businesses with energy-intensive primary processing such as distillation, drying, or extraction

• Organizations with public Scope 3 reduction targets or Net Zero commitments

The model is suitable for companies in early to intermediate stages of their Net Zero or Nature Positive journey, especially those seeking practical, field-level interventions rather than relying solely on carbon offset mechanisms.

Geographically, mint is cultivated in the resource-intensive Gangetic plains, making this approach particularly relevant for smallholder-dominated regions facing water stress and fragmented supply chains, where training, traceability, and process efficiency can reduce emissions intensity and strengthen supply resilience.

The initiative is particularly valuable for procurement, sustainability, operations, and supply chain teams aiming to integrate climate mitigation directly into sourcing strategies rather than treating emissions reduction as a separate operational function.

Approach

The initiative can be implemented through a structured, phased approach that integrates agricultural improvements, processing efficiency, and supply-chain governance, while treating farmers as holistic livelihood stakeholders.

1. Conduct a baseline assessment Undertake a comprehensive diagnostic of the mint value chain, including cultivation practices, input use, irrigation levels, yields, and distillation performance. This helps identify key emissions drivers and efficiency gaps such as synthetic input dependency, water intensity, and fuel use.

2. Identify priority farmer clusters and processing units Map sourcing regions and distillation facilities to determine high-impact intervention zones. Prioritize clusters where improvements can deliver maximum climate, operational, and livelihood benefits.

3. Design targeted intervention strategy Use baseline insights to develop localized, need-based interventions rather than applying uniform solutions. Align agronomic practices, input systems, and processing improvements with regional conditions.

4. Launch pilot interventions Implement pilot plots in selected villages to demonstrate improved practices such as Early Mint Technology (EMT), integrated pest, disease, and nutrient management, and improved crop planning. EMT ensures early sowing (typically before 10th March) to reduce heat stress, lower water demand, and improve yield stability.

5. Build farmer capacity and engagement Deliver continuous training through field demonstrations, on-site advisory, and expert support. Encourage adoption by enabling farmers to observe results before scaling. Promote intercropping, nutrition gardens, and resilient farming systems.

6. Strengthen input and planting material systems Establish farmer-managed nurseries and ensure access to high-quality planting material and inputs. This improves crop consistency, productivity, and long-term sustainability.

7. Enhance processing efficiency Assess distillation units for energy, water, yield, and safety performance. Introduce phased efficiency upgrades aligned with existing maintenance cycles to minimize disruption and capital burden.

8. Implement digital traceability systems Deploy first-mile traceability tools to capture data on cultivation practices, input use, yields, and sourcing volumes. This strengthens transparency, enables performance monitoring, and supports future emissions measurement.

9. Provide ecosystem-based farmer support Facilitate access to government schemes, financial linkages, and extension services to enhance income security and resilience. Position the programme as a service-oriented ecosystem rather than a crop-specific intervention.

10. Scale the model in phases Expand gradually from pilot clusters to larger geographies (e.g., from 37 villages and 537 farmers to 97 villages and 3,300+ farmers), ensuring consistent training quality, governance, and monitoring systems.

11. Monitor, evaluate, and refine continuously Track adoption rates, yield improvements, resource efficiency, and farmer outcomes. Use data insights to refine interventions and ensure long-term scalability and impact.

Stakeholders involved

The initiative was implemented through close collaboration across the mint value chain, involving sourcing partners, research institutions, global buyers, and farmer networks.

Project leadership and coordination

• The programme was jointly conceptualized and designed by dsm-firmenich’s responsible sourcing and India leadership teams, in collaboration with its sourcing partner Norex Flavours Private Limited.

• Norex Flavours Private Limited leads on-ground implementation, including farmer engagement, sourcing integration, and project execution through a dedicated team of agronomy experts, field officers, and social impact coordinators.

• Governance is supported through steering and executive committees to align commercial sourcing priorities with sustainability and climate objectives.

Internal company functions

Cross-functional teams—including procurement, sustainability, operations, quality, and compliance—work together to embed improved farming practices, traceability systems, and processing efficiency into routine sourcing and quality assurance processes.

These functions ensure that sustainability interventions are integrated into core business operations rather than treated as standalone projects.

Technical partners

• Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants provides scientific and technical expertise.

• Their role includes supporting improved agronomic practices, optimizing distillation processes, and ensuring interventions are adapted to local agro-climatic conditions.

Downstream buyers and market partners

• Global consumer goods companies such as Haleon and Unilever act as responsible buyers of sustainably sourced mint oil.

• Their participation reinforces traceability, quality standards, and sustainability requirements, while providing stable market demand and commercial incentives for improved practices.

Farmers and distillation operators

• Smallholder mint farmers and local distillation unit operators are central stakeholders in the initiative.

• They actively participate in training programmes, adopt climate-smart and regenerative practices, share cultivation and production data, and implement operational improvements.

Through coordinated engagement across these stakeholder groups, the initiative ensures alignment between agricultural transformation, processing efficiency, and supply chain governance—enabling scalable climate, social, and business outcomes.

Key parameters to consider

Companies considering a similar initiative should evaluate the following key parameters before implementation:

Initiative maturity

• Most interventions used in this initiative—such as Early Mint Technology (EMT), intercropping, integrated pest and disease management, composting, and distillation efficiency improvements—are well-established and proven practices.

• The innovation lies in integrating these practices into a structured, traceable, and climate-aligned sourcing framework rather than introducing new technologies.

Implementation timeline

• Initial design, baseline assessment, farmer onboarding, and pilot implementation typically require 12–18 months.

• Measurable improvements in yield stability, resource efficiency, and farmer adoption generally emerge within 2–3 cropping cycles.

• Scaling across larger sourcing regions and farmer clusters may take 3–5 years, depending on local conditions and participation levels.

Infrastructure and technical prerequisites

• Strong and trusted farmer–procurement relationships are essential to enable adoption and data sharing.

• Availability of basic irrigation infrastructure and access to organic or alternative nutrient inputs (e.g., compost) support effective implementation.

• Consistent agronomy support at the field level is required to sustain practice changes.

• Access to reliable operational data (e.g., fuel use, yields) at distillation units is necessary to identify and implement efficiency improvements.

• Internal systems must be capable of linking sourcing, operational, and sustainability data.

Geographical and supply-chain context

• The model is particularly relevant in smallholder-dominated agricultural systems with fragmented sourcing and resource-intensive primary processing.

• While developed for mint, the approach is transferable to similar value chains such as essential oils, spices, herbs, and botanicals.

Operational lifetime

• Agronomic practice changes are typically self-sustaining once adopted and internalized by farmers.

• Distillation equipment upgrades generally have an operational life of 8–10 years.

• Digital traceability systems can operate continuously with periodic upgrades and governance oversight.

Commercial viability

• The initiative is designed to remain economically viable without reliance on carbon credits or external climate subsidies.

• Value is generated through productivity gains, improved yields, resource efficiency, and enhanced supply-chain resilience.

Access to subsidies and enabling support

• While not dependent on subsidies, farmers may benefit from government schemes related to irrigation, soil health, and input management where available.

• Such support can accelerate adoption but is not a prerequisite for implementation.

Adoption and scalability factors

• Farmer participation and adoption rates are critical to achieving impact at scale.

• Cluster-based implementation improves cost efficiency, monitoring, and peer learning.

• Sustained leadership commitment and cross-functional alignment within the company are essential to integrate sourcing, operational, and climate objectives.

Implementation and operations tips

Key lessons from implementing the initiative include:

Build farmer trust through phased adoption

• Farmers were initially hesitant to move away from conventional pesticide- and fertilizer-intensive practices due to concerns about yield stability, pest risks, and income security.

• Demonstration plots, side-by-side comparisons, and peer learning enabled farmers to observe tangible results before adopting new practices.

• A pilot-first approach helped build confidence and reduced resistance to change.

Maintain strong field-level engagement

• Continuous on-site advisory support from agronomy experts and field officers was critical to ensure correct implementation of climate-smart practices.

• Regular interaction helped address farmer concerns in real time and reinforced adoption through practical guidance.

Simplify data collection for traceability

• Variability in digital literacy and record-keeping initially affected data quality and consistency.

• Simplified data formats, integration of data capture into routine field visits, and dedicated field-level support teams improved accuracy and usability.

• Ongoing training and feedback loops strengthened data reliability over time.

Integrate processing improvements into maintenance cycles

• Upgrading distillation units without disrupting production schedules was a key operational challenge.

• Efficiency and safety improvements were implemented during planned maintenance and shutdown cycles to minimize downtime and avoid additional capital burden.

Adapt practices to local conditions when scaling

• Differences in soil conditions, irrigation access, and farmer capacity created variability in outcomes across regions.

• Combining standardized training modules with region-specific agronomic customization ensured consistency while allowing flexibility for local adaptation.

Scale gradually to maintain quality and trust

• Gradual expansion across villages and farmer clusters helped maintain training quality, farmer engagement, and monitoring effectiveness.

• Rapid scaling was avoided to preserve operational control and ensure sustained impact.

Ensure early economic benefits are visible

• Demonstrating tangible improvements in yield, input cost savings, or income stability early in the adoption cycle was critical to sustaining farmer participation.

• Visible economic gains reinforced trust and accelerated peer-driven adoption.

Embed sustainability into core business operations

• Integrating sustainability metrics into procurement and operational reviews ensured that climate and efficiency objectives were aligned with business priorities.

• Positioning the initiative as part of core sourcing strategy, rather than a standalone programme, strengthened accountability and continuity.

Reinforce motivation and peer learning

• Recognition mechanisms such as farmer meetings, certifications, and community engagement activities encouraged positive behavior and knowledge sharing.

• Peer learning networks played a key role in scaling adoption organically.

Sustain long-term success through continuous support

• Ongoing technical assistance, performance monitoring, and adaptive management are essential for long-term impact.

• Continuous alignment between sourcing, operations, and sustainability functions ensures scalability and resilience of the initiative.