In order to have access to superior quality herbs which are cultivated using organic farming practices, The Himalaya Drug Company is actively building linkages with small and marginal farmers through a network of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The NGOs act as a liaison between Himalaya and the farmers.

In this connection, it has developed a structured Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme based on the model of Engagement and Empowerment. The former implies a long-term commitment to the project, both from the company and the 'target recipients'. By engaging the participant community and also being personally involved in implementation, we can ensure continuance of the programme in the long run. Moreover, the principle of engagement also ensures a better understanding of problems and the development of solutions that work at the ground level.

The latter focuses on economic empowerment which through capacity building ensures that the target community is transformed from passive recipients of aid or grants into active participants in the development initiative. The empowerment mantra also allows for project sustainability explained Dr SK Mitra, executive director, R&D, Himalaya Global Holdings.

In keeping with core principles of engagement and empowerment, we have converted a business requirement of sourcing herbs into a community development initiative, whereby small and marginal farmers are brought under the development fold through contract farming arrangements. Essentially, Himalaya sources a certain percentage of its herbs from small and marginal farmers, he added.

The key features of the programme are to source herbs from small and marginal farmers, especially women farmers. The herbs are also sourced at a fair price and in many instances higher than market price. The company also looks at promoting and practicing organic farming. It provides technical assistance and training to farmers. As much as possible, herbs are sourced locally and close to the Himalaya facility premises to reduce carbon pollutants.

The major benefits to farmers who are associated under the programme are assured income, no exploitation through middle-men, fair price for produce. Further, the farmers are also no longer subjected to the vagaries of the agricultural commodity market. There is higher improvement in productivity in terms of produce and revenues resulting out of application of better farming techniques through training and linkages with the market.

With regard to The Himalaya Drug Company, the focus on the programme ensures sustainable engagement with the community, superior quality herbs grown out of organic farm practices and sustainable collection of herbs with the adoption of environment friendly practices, informed Dr Mitra.

Currently, 20 per cent of total requirement of herbs for the company is sourced from this programme and plans are to increase this to 50 per cent by the end of this decade.