CII Foundation

The CII Foundation's Crop Residue Management Initiative is supported by leading corporates committed to promoting sustainable development. In 2026, our key supporters include HDFC Bank Parivartan, Fidelity International, JSW Foundation, NVIDIA, and Cadence Design Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. The CII Foundation appreciates the commitment and support of our partners in creating a zero-stubble burning movement. Watch this space to meet more of our Sustainability Champions next month. . #MakingChangePossible #CropResidueManagement #CIIFoundation #SustainableAgriculture #PartnershipsForImpact #NoStubbleBurning @cii4nr @FollowCII @moefcc

Leadership often calls for more than taking charge. It involves understanding how we lead, making thoughtful decisions and navigating conversations with confidence. In this reflection from the first day of the Women’s Leadership Training, Hemlata shares three key learnings from the leadership session and what stood out to her. As we revisit the training through our Women Exemplars’ perspectives, we begin with the lessons that can shape how they approach their leadership journeys. . #WEP2026 #WomanExemplarProgram #WomenLeadership #WomenLeaders #LeadershipDevelopment #CIIFoundation @CIICWL @followcii

The zero-stubble-burning movement starts with the community. Across project villages, farmers, students, and youth volunteers drive change collectively - taking ownership and carrying the movement forward. They come together at farmer outreach events and meetings and youth-led initiatives to share experiences and learnings, and this peer-to-peer interaction accelerates the adoption of sustainable crop residue management practices. When communities take the lead, change becomes a shared commitment. . #MakingChangePossible #CropResidueManagement #CommunityParticipation #SustainableAgriculture #CIIFoundation #FarmerEngagement #NoStubbleBurning @moefcc @cii4nr @FollowCII

Women’s voices are finding a place in local governance and community priorities are beginning to translate into action. Through the #EmpoweringChampionsofChange program, supported by Apraava Energy, CII Foundation is strengthening grassroots women’s participation in Gram Sabhas across Madhya Pradesh, enabling them to raise community concerns and engage directly with local decision-makers. At the Gram Sabha in Gadia village, women leaders followed up on a proposal raised earlier for 11 streetlights across the Gram Panchayat. With the materials now received, installation is set to begin — an important step towards making it easier for women to step out after dark for everyday needs, including fetching water. At Gonchi Taronda Gram Panchayat in Narmadapuram district, women presented their applications and raised issues affecting their communities. The Gram Sabha also saw support for their proposal to organise karate classes, alongside discussions on priorities including access to water, sanitation, waste management and preventing child marriage. These efforts reflect the importance of women’s participation beyond identifying concerns. By bringing community priorities into formal decision-making spaces and following up on proposed actions, women leaders are helping strengthen local accountability and build safer, more responsive communities. . #ChampionsOfChange #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenLedBusinesses #MSMEs @followcii @CII4WR

Three days. A room full of experiences. And conversations that went beyond the usual idea of leadership. 🌱 From understanding leadership styles and navigating negotiations to exploring AI, building narratives, mobilising resources and planning advocacy, the three-day Women’s Leadership Training brought together practical learning and shared reflection. The sessions created space for our Women Exemplars to exchange perspectives, practise new skills and explore how these could support the work they are already leading. Here’s a look back at the conversations, activities and moments that shaped the three days. . #WEP2026 #WomanExemplarProgram #WomenLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #CIIFoundation @followcii @CIICWL

🌿 Restoring landscapes, strengthening communities. In the hills of Darzo Village, Mizoram, a watershed development initiative supported by Bharat Forge Ltd is helping build climate resilience through sustainable soil and water conservation measures. As part of Phase-1, 500 staggered contour trenches have been constructed to reduce soil erosion, improve rainwater retention, enhance groundwater recharge, and support long-term ecosystem restoration. These trenches are more than just structures. They are investments in healthier landscapes, stronger livelihoods, and a more resilient future for local communities. Glimpses from the field showcasing the dedication, hard work, and collective effort behind this milestone. . #ClimateResilientCommunities #WatershedDevelopment #Mizoram #SoilAndWaterConservation #LandscapeRestoration #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #BharatForge #CIIFoundation #WaterSecurity #EnvironmentalSustainability @followcii @CII4ER

ANGANWADI STRENGTHENING PROGRAM - WAYANAD, KERALA “The children coming to the Anganwadi Centres now feel at home.” For Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) in flood-affected Wayanad, improved infrastructure has helped create more welcoming spaces where children can learn, explore and grow. With elements of Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) on every wall of the AWCs, each corner is a new opportunity for learning. The Anganwadi Workers are also better trained to use play-way techniques and spatial learning methods to ensure better learning outcomes in children. Watch the video to hear firsthand about the changes and the transformation of these spaces. . #CIIFoundation #WayanadFloodRelief #OrklaIndia #Anganwadi #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment @followcii @cii4sr @EduMinOfIndia

Ending stubble burning is not a one-organisation job. The transition to sustainable crop residue management involves many people working together. The CII Foundation successfully brings together diverse stakeholders, leverages the strengths and expertise of each stakeholder, translating collaboration into action for impactful on-ground change. Through this collaborative approach, it has created a successful model of change that can be replicated and scaled for greater impact. . #MakingChangePossible #CropResidueManagement #SustainableAgriculture #CIIFoundation #CollectiveAction #PartnershipsForImpact #NoStubbleBurning @cii4nr @followcii @moefcc

What if a farmer adopts the crop residue management methods promoted to mitigate stubble burning? Sonu’s story from Tharvi village, Haryana, shows how using a combination of in-situ and ex-situ methods helped him stop stubble burning. His journey highlights the importance of looking beyond the immediate challenge of clearing a field quickly and recognising the value of non-burning: lower cultivation costs, water savings and improved soil health which will increase yield over time. Sonu has successfully moved from stubble burning to no burning across his 35 acres. . #MakingChangePossible #CropResidueManagement #WasteToWorth #ExSituManagement #CircularEconomy #SustainableAgriculture #CIIFoundation #NoStubbleBurning @moefcc @CII4nr @followcii

Transformed Anganwadi Centres Inaugurated in Wayanad, Kerala On 17 October, 16 Anganwadi centres, refurbished and transformed into child-friendly spaces, were inaugurated by Shri T. Siddique, Minister for Agriculture, Soil Survey & Soil Conservation, Government of Keralam, at Chembra Anganwadi in Meppadi Grama Panchayat, marking an important milestone in the efforts to strengthen early childhood care and education in Wayanad. Supported by Eastern – Orkla India, CII Foundation implemented the Anganwadi Strengthening Program under the Wayanad Flood Rehabilitation Initiative, in coordination with the Wayanad District Administration, the Department of Women and Child Development, and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), to create safer, more conducive learning environments for children. Under the Program, the focus was on upgrading infrastructure using the BaLa (Building as a Learning Aid) approach and building capacity of all Anganwadi functionaries at the district level. At the event, completion certificates were awarded to the Anganwadi workers who completed the training. Watch this space as we take you through the journey of upgrading Anganwadi centres, strengthening frontline capacities and improving learning environments for children in Wayanad. . #ClIFoundation #WayanadRehabilitation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Anganwadi #BuildingBackBetter @OrklaGroup @cii4sr @followcii @EduMinOfIndia

CII Foundation, in collaboration with the Northern Region Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute (@nrfmtti), Hisar, organised the State-Level CRM Stakeholder Outreach & Farmer Connect on Crop Residue Management, bringing together around 200 farmers from Fatehabad and Jind, alongside agricultural experts, government officials and industry representatives. Prof. B.R. Kamboj, Vice-Chancellor, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCS HAU), Hisar, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, research institutions, industry and CSR partners in making sustainable alternatives to stubble burning accessible to farmers. Mr. P.C. Meshram, Director, @Nrfmtti_Hisar, emphasised the partnership between NRFMTTI and CII Foundation in strengthening farmers’ knowledge and skills in in-situ and ex-situ paddy straw management. Highlighting the contribution of the corporate sector, Mr. Asim Khan, CSR Head, @CadenceIndia, spoke about the role of CSR in supporting social development and environmentally responsible agricultural practices. The technical sessions featured Dr. Gopi Ram, Assistant Agricultural Engineer, Department of Agriculture, Haryana, and Dr. Todarmal, Department of Agronomy, CCS HAU, Hisar. Industry perspectives were represented by Mr. Sumeet Gupta, Sugreen Biofuels Pvt. Ltd., and Mr. Arun Kumar Garg, Shri Shyam Green Fuels Solution LLP. Progressive farmers Mr. Sandeep Kumar from Sirsa and Mr. Sukhwinder Singh from Sultanpuria also participated, bringing valuable field-level experiences to the discussions. The event also explored opportunities to convert paddy straw into valuable resources such as bio-compost and green fuel, while strengthening biomass value chains and creating additional income opportunities for farmers. By connecting technical expertise, institutional support, farmer experiences and industry participation, the program reinforced a collaborative approach to reducing crop residue burning and advancing sustainable agriculture in Haryana. . #CIIFoundation #CropResidueManagement #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateAction #FarmerConnect #StubbleBurning

From Red Zone to Green Zone: When an entire village adopts a zero-burning approach One farmer can change a field. A community can change an entire village. Jatana village in Punjab has demonstrated what becomes possible when farmers move towards a shared goal of sustainable crop residue management. In 2024 it moved from a red zone of burning to a green zone of no stubble burning due to the farmers and local cooperative leadership working together. A distinguished delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and the @CAQM_Official visited the village Led by Smt. S. Rukmani, Joint Secretary (M&T) and observed firsthand the transformative impact of the initiative. Jatana is an inspiration to other villages, succesfully demonstrating how zero-stubble burning can become a movement. . #MakingChangePossible #CropResidueManagement #CommunityAction #FarmerChampions #SustainableAgriculture #NoStubbleBurning #CIIFoundation @followcii @cii4nr

Eight years. Lakhs of farmers. 1000+ villages across Punjab and Haryana. Project launch in Uttar Pradesh in 2026. A growing movement towards change. The numbers show the scale. The journey shows the progress. But behind every number is a story- a farmer who tried a different practice, a machine that reached a field on time, a village that came together, and a community that began to see crop residue differently. Here is what the journey from 2018 to 2026 looks like in numbers. . #MakingChangePossible #CropResidueManagement #ImpactInNumbers #SustainableAgriculture #CIIFoundation #FarmerFirst #NoStubbleBurning @followcii @ciinr @moefcc

Effective crop residue management and well-maintained machinery are essential for preparing fields for the upcoming wheat-sowing season. CII Foundation, under the HDFC Bank Parivartan Project, organised farmer training and machinery demonstration camps in Hanspur and Nikuana villages of Ratia block, Fatehabad, Haryana, on 16 October 2026, in coordination with NRFMTTI, Hisar. Engineer Pankaj Sethi and Training Assistant Mr Krishan Kumar led the technical sessions, covering machinery settings, field operations and preventive maintenance. Through practical demonstrations, farmers were guided on operating the Super Seeder for residue incorporation and wheat sowing, with emphasis on straw distribution, seed placement and suitable operating conditions. The sessions also covered straw collection and baling, along with preventive maintenance practices such as regular inspection, lubrication, cleaning and timely replacement of worn components to minimise breakdowns during peak agricultural operations. Farmers were also briefed on machinery safety, including stopping the tractor, disengaging the PTO and ensuring all moving parts had come to a complete halt before adjusting or clearing blockages. The camps provided an opportunity for farmers to discuss operational challenges with the technical team and highlighted the importance of proper machinery care for timely wheat sowing and stubble-free fields. By strengthening farmers’ practical knowledge of machinery care and crop residue management, the initiative promotes timely sowing, reduces dependence on stubble burning and supports more sustainable agricultural practices. . #CIIFoundation #HDFCBankParivartan #CropResidueManagement #SustainableAgriculture #FarmerTraining #StubbleBurning @HDFCBankCSR @HDFC_Bank @cii4nr @followcii @moefcc @EnvironmentPib

CII Foundation, in collaboration with @HDFC_Bank under the @HDFCBankCSR initiative, organised a District-Level Dialogue and Awareness Programme on Crop Residue Management in Sangrur, Punjab, on 16 October 2026. The programme was attended by Ms. Narinder Kaur Bharaj, MLA, Sangrur; Mr. Rachhpal Singh, Chairman, Zila Parishad; Mr. Harbans Singh Sidhu, Chief Agriculture Officer, Sangrur; Dr. Man Singh Bagri, Agricultural Engineer, NRFMTTI; Dr. Mandeep Singh, Director, KVK Sangrur; and Mr. Likham Singh, Assistant Registrar, along with representatives from PPCB, agricultural institutions, industry and farming communities. Key Highlights: •⁠ ⁠Approximately 40 agricultural machines, including Super Seeders, Mitter Seeders and Balers, are being provided to cooperative societies in Sangrur during the current season. •⁠ ⁠Around 250 machines have previously been provided in the district. •⁠ ⁠Nearly 250 farmers participated in the programme. •⁠ ⁠Technical discussions focused on in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management and the industrial utilisation of paddy straw. •⁠ ⁠MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj handed over agricultural machinery and flagged off an awareness van to promote alternatives to stubble burning. •⁠ ⁠Exemplary farmers and villages were recognised for their efforts towards sustainable agriculture. Ms. Narinder Kaur Bharaj said, “CII Foundation and HDFC Bank are playing an important role in promoting crop residue management by helping farmers access agricultural machinery, particularly benefiting small and marginal farmers in Sangrur. It is essential that innovative agricultural technologies reach farmers at the grassroots level. Such collaborative efforts can help reduce stubble burning, protect the environment and encourage sustainable farming practices.” Through machinery support, farmer awareness and stakeholder collaboration, CII Foundation and HDFC Bank are working towards reducing stubble burning, improving soil health and building a cleaner, more sustainable Punjab. . #CIIFoundation #HDFCParivartan #CropResidueManagement #SustainableAgriculture #Punjab #StubbleBurning #ClimateAction @followcii @cii4nr @moefcc @EnvironmentPib

At the onset of the crop residue burning season, the CII Foundation has intensified its on-ground work to mitigate farm stubble burning. The crop residue management project has been launched in Uttar Pradesh this year. A farmer training programme on Crop Residue Management (CRM) was organised at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bagahi, Sant Kabir Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, on 12 October 2026. The session focused on improving soil health, promoting sustainable farming practices and encouraging practical alternatives to stubble burning. The training highlighted the importance of soil organic matter in improving soil fertility, moisture retention and long-term agricultural productivity. Farmers also received guidance on maintaining Jot Bahi (land and cultivation records), crop cycles, crop rotation and selecting quality seeds suited to local agro-climatic conditions. The session covered in-situ and ex-situ residue management, the appropriate use and maintenance of agricultural machinery, and efficient field operations. Farmers also explored alternatives to stubble burning, including biochar production and the sale of paddy straw to paper mills and other industries, highlighting the value of crop residues as a resource. By strengthening farmers’ technical knowledge of crop planning, machinery use and residue utilisation, the initiative encourages sustainable agricultural practices that conserve soil resources, support productivity and contribute to a healthier environment. . #CIIFoundation #CropResidueManagement #SustainableAgriculture #FarmerTraining @upcar_lucknow #StubbleBurning @cii4nr @followcii @moefcc @nvidia

What if crop residue could be managed as a resource, rather than treated as waste? The Crop Residue Management initiative supports both in-situ and ex-situ approaches to managing residual biomass. - In-situ: Through machines the residual biomass can be managed within the field to enhance the quality of soil. - Ex-situ: The residual biomass is collected and used to create biogas, biocompost and biomass pelletisation plants- creating pathways for residual biomass to be put to productive use. Together, these approaches create pathways from residue to resource supporting healthier fields while opening up opportunities to derive value from what was once considered waste. Because sustainable residue management is not only about stopping burning. It is about making what remains after harvest useful. . #MakingChangePossible #CropResidueManagement #WasteToWorth #SustainableAgriculture #CircularEconomy #NoStubbleBurning #CIIFoundation @MoEFCC @CII4nr @follo

We’re live from Sangrur, Punjab! Join us for the District-Level Crop Residue Management Dialogue & Awareness Program bringing together stakeholders to discuss sustainable agricultural practices and solutions to stubble burning. 📺 Watch the live session here: youtube.com/live/kh6OmN6d7vE… . #CIIFoundation #CropResidueManagement #SustainableAgriculture #Punjab

📍Watch this space for live updates from 10:00 AM onwards as we bring you key discussions, insights and highlights from the District-Level Crop Residue Management Dialogue & Awareness Program. The dialogue will spotlight practical solutions, agricultural technologies and collaborative approaches to reducing crop residue burning and supporting farmers in adopting sustainable practices. . #CIIFoundation #CropResidueManagement #SustainableAgriculture #Punjab

Preparing fields for the next crop starts with managing the residue left behind. CII Foundation, under the HDFC Bank Parivartan project, organised farmer training camps in Ladhuwas and Babanpur villages of Fatehabad, Haryana, in collaboration with NRFMTTI, Hisar. The sessions focused on the effective use and maintenance of crop residue management machinery, particularly the Super Seeder, along with practical guidance on in-situ and ex-situ residue management. Farmers were also sensitised to safe machinery operation, timely maintenance and the benefits of retaining paddy residue to support soil health. By strengthening farmers’ technical knowledge and confidence, the initiative encourages sustainable alternatives to stubble burning and supports the transition towards more responsible agricultural practices. . #CIIFoundation #HDFCBankParivartan #CropResidueManagement #SustainableAgriculture #StubbleBurning @cii4nr @followcii