The year also marked the successful validation of the social forestry model of the Company, under which poor tribals are provided a comprehensive package of support and extension services to help them convert their wastelands into plantations. As at March 2005, 153 poor tribal households had harvested 73 hectares of their plantations, yielding 2,549 tonnes of pulpwood, valued at Rs.37 lakhs. The entire output was purchased by ITC’s Paperboards business. The harvesting households deposited Rs.14 lakhs with the Sanghas towards creation of the village development fund. This successful validation of the social intervention model has greatly reinforced ITC’s belief that it is possible to synergise shareholder value creation with service to society.

ITC’s social and farm forestry programmes have greened 29,230 hectares with over 100 million saplings.

Soil & Moisture Conservation

ITC’s water management programme, designed to assist farmers in identified moisture-stressed districts, focuses on soil and moisture conservation initiatives. A total of 224 large and small water harvesting structures were constructed during 2004-05, taking the total number of structures to 550 with a command area of about 8,000 hectares, covering 5 districts, 100 villages and 9,400 farmers.

Integrated Agriculture Development

These recent interventions aim to improve farm productivity and hence incomes by promoting a package of efficient farm practices and technologies. During 2004-05, 58 group irrigation projects were implemented covering 180 poor farmers, who could not otherwise afford to sink deep bores. 100 sprinkler sets covering 125 hectares were installed for demonstration. In addition, 250 demonstration plots were developed. 674 composting units were established during the year, comprising 390 vermi-compost pits and 284 NADEP units.