United Breweries Launches Project Jal Shakti in Telangana

United Breweries Limited (UBL), a subsidiary of the HEINEKEN Company, has launched Project Jal Shakti, an extensive corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing local ecosystems in Telangana’s Sangareddy district. The project is being implemented in collaboration with BharatCares and focuses on improving groundwater recharge and biodiversity.

Project Jal Shakti encompasses several gram panchayats, including Malkapur, Kothlapur, Guntapalley, Gopulapuram, Haridaspur, and Malepally. As a part of the initiative, two renewable energy-powered Centres of Excellence (CoEs) have been established to provide vital support to farmers and local communities. These centres will promote sustainable agricultural practices and offer training on soil and water conservation, aimed at improving crop productivity.

Supporting Local Communities and Ecosystems

The CoEs are equipped with advanced facilities, including automatic weather stations that deliver real-time weather data. Additionally, soil testing laboratories will enable farmers to make informed decisions regarding their agricultural practices. To bolster local water security, the project plans to construct a new check dam, rejuvenate an existing one, and deepen and widen three irrigation channels.

Furthermore, the initiative involves planting over 1,200 native saplings as part of efforts to restore local ecosystems. The inaugural event was attended by prominent figures such as Geetu Gidwani Verma, Chairperson of the CSR & ESG Committee at UBL, and Garima Singh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at UBL, among others. They highlighted the project’s collaborative approach and its potential for lasting impact on the community.

“Project Jal Shakti reflects our long-term efforts towards sustainable agriculture and water stewardship in the communities we operate in,” said Garima Singh. “By combining farmer capacity building, water conservation infrastructure, agroforestry, and the Centres of Excellence, we are working towards building resilient livelihoods while restoring local ecosystems.”

Bhomik Shah, Trustee of BharatCares, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “Through the project, we are working closely with communities to promote sustainable farming practices and improve water availability. The CoEs will play a critical role in building long-term resilience for farmers in the region.”

Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Agriculture

Project Jal Shakti underscores UBL’s commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural practices while addressing water scarcity in the region. By enhancing both agricultural productivity and environmental health, the initiative aims to create a holistic approach to community development.

As the project unfolds, its success will depend on the active participation of local farmers and the ongoing collaboration between UBL and BharatCares. The initiative not only aims to improve agricultural outcomes but also seeks to instill a sense of environmental stewardship among the communities it serves in Telangana.