The Company continued to make progress during the quarter in its social development initiatives in line with its philosophy of creating stakeholder value through serving society.
The wasteland development programme brought an additional 1,349 hectares under pulpwood plantations taking the total to 8,171 hectares benefiting nearly 9,464 poor households in 298 villages. The soil & moisture conservation programme, designed to assist farmers in identified moisture-stressed districts, now covers nearly 1,202 water-harvesting structures providing critical irrigation to 12,144 hectares. As part of its policy to promote integrated water management solutions to Indian farmers, the Company has taken the next crucial step towards ensuring efficient usage of water through interventions aimed at improving farm productivity, promoting group irrigation projects and demonstrating the use of sprinkler sets. Sustainable agricultural practices were further supported by the Company's promotion of organic fertilisers through vermi-composting (4,332 units) and 'Nadep' technology (2,089 units).
The sustainable livelihoods initiative of the Company strives to create alternative employment for surplus labour and decrease pressure on arable land by promoting non-farm incomes. Among many such activities, special emphasis is being given to improve livestock quality. Cattle development centres under the Company's livestock development programme currently reach out to over 1,500 villages, providing integrated animal husbandry services to more than 46,000 milch animals. Another key intervention is in the area of economic empowerment of women. The ITC sponsored self help micro-credit groups have garnered nearly 11,000 members, of which nearly 5,000 have become successful women entrepreneurs in select rural areas. Several initiatives are also underway in the areas of Health & Sanitation and Primary education.
In the area of environment, health and safety, ITC continues to raise the bar for its operating units. Already a water-positive enterprise, the Company also became 'carbon-positive' during 2005/06 and is making rapid strides towards achieving 'zero solid waste' status.
The Board of Directors, at its meeting in Kolkata on 30th October, 2006, approved the financial results for the quarter ended 30th September 2006.
