IDH Launches Manifesto To Catalyse Sustainable Sourcing For Palm Oil Production In India
22/10/2024 (The CSR Universe), Gurugram - IDH has launched a manifesto at their annual event Sutra 2.0 - The Sustainable Trade Summit 2024 that aims to accelerate responsible sourcing in Indian markets and foster dialogue on sustainable agricultural value chains.
A panel discussion on “The Future of Palm Oil Amidst Rapid Climate Change” complemented the launch of the India Sustainable Palm Oil Manifesto ladt week. Experts from industry, policy, and civil society discussed the impact of climate change on the palm oil sector and explored strategies for sustainable production.
Palm oil is a ubiquitous product and can advance global food security. However, several environmental concerns are associated with how it is sourced. With Government of India’s ambitious goal of producing 11.20 lakh tonnes of crude palm oil by 2025-26, sustainable sourcing for the product is vital.
The Sustainable Palm Oil Manifesto aims to unite stakeholders from the private sector, government, and civil society around a shared commitment to sustainable palm oil sourcing, underscoring its importance for the environment, economy, and future generations. The companies that signed the manifesto include 3F Oil Palm, Godrej Agrovet, Nabvbharat, Emami Agrotech, Patanjali Foods, and AAK India.
Speaking about the manifesto, Jagjeet Singh Kandal, Country Director-India, IDH, said, “The India Sustainable Palm Oil Manifesto marks a pivotal moment for the palm oil sector in India. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders from industry, government, and civil society, we have the opportunity to drive meaningful change that promotes responsible sourcing, safeguarding the environment, and strengthening sustainable practices across the value chain."
The manifesto calls for the Indian private sector to significantly increase its commitment to sustainably sourced palm oil across all products. It stresses the efficiency and yield benefits of palm oil, while addressing global food security in an environmentally.
The manifesto highlights the need for enhanced sustainability practices throughout the supply chain, with a particular focus on smallholder farmers, who play a vital role in palm oil production.
By supporting a jurisdictional approach to palm oil governance, the manifesto aims to strengthen regional and local sustainability efforts, promoting more transparent and accountable sourcing.
Raising consumer awareness around the benefits of responsibly sourced palm oil is critical to market acceptance. The manifesto urges all stakeholders to improve communication and transparency to build trust in sustainable products.
The launch of the manifesto, along with the panel discussion featuring industry leaders, marks a pivotal moment for the palm oil sector in India. This collaborative effort is poised to set the stage for deeper engagement and innovative solutions that promote sustainability and responsible sourcing practices.
SUTRA 2024, recognised as the leading sustainability forum, is committed to catalysing positive change within the palm oil sector and beyond.