IFC, Jain Irrigation launch initiative for water conservation

New Delhi, Nov 4 : IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today said it is working with agro-processing and drip irrigation firm Jain Irrigation to launch 'a water footprint initiative' that will allow the company to measure its environmental and sustainability benefits and identify ways to reduce water consumption.

''The project will demonstrate effective management of natural resources, particularly the benefits to farmers of water conservation...Jain Irrigation will be the first company in India to measure its water footprint,'' a statement said.

Water footprinting involves evaluating direct and indirect water usage in business activities, including those of suppliers. It also entails understanding linkages to local water sources and scarcity, and assessing impacts on community water resources and the environment, with the goal of adopting conservation measures.

''As a responsible corporate entity, we value IFC's experience and partnership in launching water footprinting at our sites that will improve our understanding of the social and environmental impacts and help us mitigate these impacts,'' said Mr Dilip Kulkarni, company President (Agri Foods Division).

IFC has invested almost 60 million dollars in Jain Irrigation.

The initiative will help develop tools that can be replicated by other private sector companies in ascertaining their direct and their suppliers' water exposure, minimising water risks, improving water efficiencies and limiting their water-related social and environmental impacts, the statement added.

--UNI

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