As part of these efforts, IPL and Jain Irrigation Systems Limited (JISL) signed an agreement on July 8, 2026, to promote technology-driven sugarcane cultivation in Gujarat. Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate on the survey, design, supply and installation of drip irrigation systems in sugarcane fields, along with farmer training and on-field demonstration programmes. They will also help farmers access available credit and subsidy facilities to encourage the adoption of micro-irrigation.

IPL’s initiative extends beyond irrigation. The company has also entered into a three-year agreement with UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions for sugarcane cultivation across approximately 2,000 acres in the command area of Kodinar Sugar Mill in Gujarat. The initiative aims to improve sugarcane productivity by at least 15% through scientific farming practices, better nutrient management, crop protection, soil health improvement and the use of digital technologies.

IPL is also encouraging farmers to adopt scientific agricultural practices under the ‘10 Ts of Sugarcane Excellence’, which outlines ten key practices for achieving better yields. These include improved tillage, high-yielding varieties, quality seed material, Trichoderma application, timely planting, weed management and better crop care. Alongside these practices, the company is promoting the 6R principles of nutrient management, which emphasise reducing waste and protecting the environment. The six principles include the right source, right rate, right method, right time, right combination and appropriate water management.

Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, helping minimise water wastage. Fertigation, meanwhile, enables water-soluble fertilisers to be delivered to plant roots through irrigation water. Together, these techniques support more efficient use of water and fertilisers while improving crop management.

In July, IPL also organised a workshop on sustainable sugarcane cultivation for more than 350 farmers in the Kodinar region of Gujarat. The workshop provided information on modern crop management, water-use efficiency and improved agricultural techniques. Experts from Jain Irrigation explained the benefits of drip irrigation and practices such as maintaining a four-foot row spacing. According to the company, under suitable conditions, drip irrigation can potentially reduce water consumption by 40–60% and improve productivity by 20–40%.

IPL’s broader initiatives in Gujarat are also linked to its long-term investments in the sugarcane sector. The company is working towards the revival and modernisation of cooperative sugar mills in Kodinar, Talala and Valsad. According to the government, the revival of these mills is expected to benefit thousands of farmers in the region.

IPL believes that improving the productivity and profitability of sugarcane farmers is as important as ensuring the efficient operation of sugar mills. By promoting drip irrigation, fertigation, balanced nutrition, improved crop management and digital advisory services together, the company is working towards developing a more water-efficient, sustainable and profitable model of sugarcane cultivation in Gujarat. These efforts are expected to benefit not only farmers but also the sugar and biofuel sectors.

The campaign is centred around the message: “If soil is protected, farming will survive, farmers will prosper, and the nation will thrive.” Agricultural experts underline that soil health is the foundation of agricultural productivity and food security. Continued degradation of soil fertility could lead to lower crop yields, higher cultivation costs, and long-term risks to food production.

As part of the initiative, Indian Potash Limited (IPL) is actively working to raise awareness among farmers about soil health management, balanced nutrient application, and modern agricultural practices. Experts note that while the Green Revolution significantly boosted foodgrain production, the excessive and imbalanced use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has adversely affected soil quality in many regions. Overuse of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash has disrupted nutrient balance, while declining levels of beneficial microorganisms and organic carbon have reduced the soil’s water-holding capacity.

A key focus of the campaign is promoting the use of Soil Health Cards, which provide scientific recommendations on nutrient deficiencies and fertiliser requirements for individual farms. The initiative seeks to encourage balanced fertiliser use, reduce input costs, and preserve soil fertility over the long term.

The campaign also promotes natural and organic farming practices, including the use of farmyard manure, compost, vermicompost, and green manure to improve soil health and sustain productivity. Farmers are being trained in these techniques to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers.

Recognising the growing water crisis, the campaign places special emphasis on water conservation through drip and sprinkler irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and water-efficient farming technologies. Farmers are also being educated on seed treatment, balanced nutrient management, modern sowing techniques, crop diversification, and selecting crops suited to local agro-climatic conditions.

In addition, the initiative aims to protect farmers from economic losses caused by counterfeit fertilisers and pesticides by educating them about identifying quality agricultural inputs and ensuring their proper use.

Dr P.S. Gahlaut, Managing Director of Indian Potash Limited, said that the use of balanced fertilisers, Soil Health Cards, organic manures, and micronutrients can significantly improve soil health. He added that amid ongoing tensions in West Asia and rising global fertiliser prices, the need for soil conservation and balanced nutrient management has become more critical than ever.