Abstract
This chapter describes how through the prism of CSR, industry can take a stride in evolving its relationship with the stakeholders. Agriculture continues to remain the mainstay of livelihood for chunk of the population. The sector is drawn with the dual daunting challenges of producing more simultaneously without depleting natural resources. A pilot study is instituted to gain an insight into the CSR-agriculture initiative of the industry. This conceptual chapter has not attempted to triangulate the primary data, focusing on similar issues from other studies. However, the proposed 3D approach: “Diverse Dynamic Dignified,” is an outcome of FGD which provides a framework to take a broader view for wider replication by customizing it to the local conditions. This chapter contributes to the existing literature and advocates that the industry should prioritize agriculture livelihood security in their CSR endeavors.
TopCsr India
In India, as in many other countries facing similarly large development challenges, the discourse around CSR is increasingly about the crucial role corporates can play in bringing about positive change in the area of human development and social inclusion. CSR is no longer seen as corporate social assistance or philanthropy, but as essential to a good business strategy, helping reduce investment risks and enhancing business profits by improving transparency and accountability. It is about working together - with government, with civil society, and with the community - to improve the lives of millions of people by making growth more inclusive (WB, 2017a).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Producer Company: Producer company is a body corporate registered under Companies Act, 1956 which is impregnated with the elements of cooperative business with a regulatory framework similar to that of companies in order to provide market linkage, business enterprise and sustainability to the produce of farmer.
Innovation: The process of evolving a new idea or concept from an existing practice bringing about a transformation in addressing a pressing issue.
Decision Support System: Decision support system in agriculture are integrated IT driven, GIS based information system enabling decision based on evidence to embark on sustainable agriculture management.
Agricultural Extension Services: Agricultural Extension Services is the rendering of assistance for application of scientific research at farm level to boost agricultural productivity and agriculture livelihood security.
Farm Mechanization: The use of machine and implements in farm activities to enhance farm productivity.
Sustainability: Utilize, maintain and conserve ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources (in this case water) so that the demands of the present generation are met, simultaneously ensure that the concern of the future generation is not compromised.
Multi-Stakeholder Partnership: A partnership forged embracing representation from varied categories of stakeholder – Government, private, industry, community, NGOs and the likes.