The Bridgestone Nutritional Fruit Orchard Project was started in Sulawad Village, Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh, by Bridgestone India and Sagest (Society for Environment and Agricultural Sustainability). This women-led project seeks to create livelihoods, enhance nutrition, and promote environmental sustainability.

The orchard, which spans 4 acres, has 1,300+ fruit-bearing trees of more than 15 varieties that were planted using sustainable practices with the help of Bridgestone volunteers and the neighborhood. With a 96% survival rate in its first year, the project has empowered women to oversee a nursery with 1,000 saplings and turn garden waste into compost and organic pesticide, promoting organic farming and generating revenue. The group of women who are in charge of the orchard will be able to make money all year long from the sale of the harvested fruits once they reach maturity.

Through the establishment of 251 household kitchen gardens, the project is enhancing nutritional security in Sulawad village while also bolstering livelihoods. This gives families access to fresh, home-grown vegetables and a more wholesome diet. The villagers now have a greater sense of responsibility, ownership, and environmental consciousness thanks to regular training and awareness campaigns.

In addition to Bridgestone and its partner Sagest carrying out the program, the local panchayat has donated the land, local women are caring for and managing it, and nearby residential government school employees and students are supporting it. This is a unique initiative that exemplifies multi-stakeholder involvement. The Nutritional Fruit Orchard Project by Bridgestone India is a prime example of how corporate responsibility can bring about long-lasting, community-led change because of its comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability, rural development, and women’s empowerment.

Priyanka Dutta