Bridgestone Empowers Rural Women through Sustainable Orchard Project

10 Jun 2025 CW Team

Spread over 4 acres, the orchard features 1,300+ fruit-bearing trees across 15+ varieties, planted using sustainable techniques with strong support from Bridgestone volunteers and the local community. In its first year, the project boasts a 96 per cent survival rate and has enabled women to manage a nursery of 1,000 saplings, and produce compost and organic pesticide from garden waste—encouraging organic farming and income generation. After maturity, the sale of fruits harvested will be a year-round source of income for the group of women who are managing the orchard.

In addition to strengthening livelihoods, the initiative is improving nutritional security in Sulawad village through the development of 251 household kitchen gardens, which provide families with fresh, home-grown vegetables and a more nutritious diet. Regular training and awareness programmes have fostered a sense of ownership, responsibility, and environmental consciousness among the villagers.

“True sustainability goes beyond business—it’s about empowering communities and protecting the planet. This project shows how women-led, community-driven action can create long-term impact on nutrition, livelihoods, and the environment. It’s not just about planting trees; it’s about planting hope, resilience, and a better future. This initiative beautifully demonstrates how community-driven, women-led environmental action can improve nutrition, generate income, and protect the planet — all at the same time.” said Hiroshi Yoshizane, Managing Director, Bridgestone India.

This is a unique initiative that showcases multi stakeholder involvement where apart from Bridgestone and its partner Sagest implementing the program, the local panchayat has given the land, local women are maintaining and managing it, adjacent residential government school staff and students supporting it. With its holistic approach to environmental sustainability, rural development, and women’s empowerment, Bridgestone India’s Nutritional Fruit Orchard Project stands as a model for how corporate responsibility can create lasting, community-led transformation.

Bridgestone India, in partnership with Sagest (Society for Environment and Agricultural Sustainability), has launched the Bridgestone Nutritional Fruit Orchard Project in Sulawad Village, Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh. This women-led initiative aims to drive environmental sustainability, improve nutrition, and generate livelihoods.Spread over 4 acres, the orchard features 1,300+ fruit-bearing trees across 15+ varieties, planted using sustainable techniques with strong support from Bridgestone volunteers and the local community. In its first year, the project boasts a 96 per cent survival rate and has enabled women to manage a nursery of 1,000 saplings, and produce compost and organic pesticide from garden waste—encouraging organic farming and income generation. After maturity, the sale of fruits harvested will be a year-round source of income for the group of women who are managing the orchard.In addition to strengthening livelihoods, the initiative is improving nutritional security in Sulawad village through the development of 251 household kitchen gardens, which provide families with fresh, home-grown vegetables and a more nutritious diet. Regular training and awareness programmes have fostered a sense of ownership, responsibility, and environmental consciousness among the villagers.“True sustainability goes beyond business—it’s about empowering communities and protecting the planet. This project shows how women-led, community-driven action can create long-term impact on nutrition, livelihoods, and the environment. It’s not just about planting trees; it’s about planting hope, resilience, and a better future. This initiative beautifully demonstrates how community-driven, women-led environmental action can improve nutrition, generate income, and protect the planet — all at the same time.” said Hiroshi Yoshizane, Managing Director, Bridgestone India.This is a unique initiative that showcases multi stakeholder involvement where apart from Bridgestone and its partner Sagest implementing the program, the local panchayat has given the land, local women are maintaining and managing it, adjacent residential government school staff and students supporting it. With its holistic approach to environmental sustainability, rural development, and women’s empowerment, Bridgestone India’s Nutritional Fruit Orchard Project stands as a model for how corporate responsibility can create lasting, community-led transformation.

Resources

03 Jun 2026

Jyoti Structures Launches Heat Safety Drive Across Sites

Jyoti Structures (JSL) has strengthened heat safety measures across its project sites and manufacturing facilities as temperatures rise across India. The company has implemented a Summer Safety Plan covering all transmission line projects to address risks related to heat stress, dehydration and worker fatigue.The initiative includes rescheduling work away from peak afternoon temperatures, provision of drinking water, ORS and lemon-salt solutions, and installation of rest shelters near work areas. Daily toolbox talks, worker health monitoring, first-aid preparedness, emergency transport arrange..

Real Estate

03 Jun 2026

MHADA Declares 82 Buildings Most Dangerous in Central and South Mumbai

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has declared 82 buildings as most dangerous across Central and South Mumbai and has appealed to residents to vacate immediately. The list, prepared after structural assessments by the authority, identifies buildings judged to pose imminent risk to occupants and to passersby. Local civic bodies have been asked to coordinate evacuations and to make arrangements for temporary shelter and rehabilitation for displaced households. Officials said the authority prioritised buildings with visible structural distress, severe cracking, tiltin..

Infrastructure Transport

03 Jun 2026

Damage Reported At Halwara Airport Terminal After First Rains

Severe damage was reported at the terminal of Halwara Airport during the first major rain spell of the season, prompting immediate concern among aviation and local authorities. Images from the site showed water ingress and visible deterioration of the terminal interior, affecting passenger areas and ancillary services. The airport authority suspended certain operations temporarily to assess structural safety and ensure passenger wellbeing. Preliminary inspections have prioritised electrical systems and roof seals to prevent further water ingress. State aviation officials ordered a formal inqui..