While India ranks second worldwide in farm output, and crop yields have grown substantially since the green revolution in the 1960s, international comparisons indicate that average yields in India lag top global producers by 50 to 70 percent.

Over-reliance on urea (nitrogen) at the expense of other nutrients actually resulted in decreased yields in some parts of India in recent years. Against this backdrop, Mosaic's emphasis on a balanced approach to crop nutrition is an important addition to the Indian agricultural paradigm.

In partnership with the Institute for Rural Research and Development (IRRAD), Mosaic has rolled out "Krishi Jyoti," a program that helps bring modern agricultural inputs and practices to underserved farmers in Haryana. Our annual investment is used to alleviate water stress, improve awareness of soil health, improve the quality of seed, administer the right fertilizer blend and provide the expertise to apply it at the right time to increase yields of millet, wheat, canola and mustard.

Improving irrigation is challenging, as Haryana is a water-stressed region. Mosaic and IRRAD are attacking the problem at the source, constructing a series of check dams to help replenish the aquifer. These dams capture monsoon rains and force surface water into the aquifer. In addition to agricultural uses, higher water levels in the aquifer and provide a more abundant fresh water supply for the villages.

The Mosaic team also works with groups of farmers for three years, after which time farmers should no longer require the assistance. Post-assistance, the Mosaic team provides regular follow-ups for two more years, consisting of timely and reliable agricultural advice. Currently, there are 4,100 families and 1,100 acres under management.

Post-harvest, the Mosaic and IRRAD teams work to establish better market linkages through improving infrastructure and the availability of market information, ensuring the farmers receive a fair profit for their efforts. The results are outstanding. Yields increased 30 to 40 percent over typical farmer practices, with an even greater increase in the quality and oil content of the crop. These yield increases significantly boost farm incomes and are especially impressive given that Indian farmers already experienced a green revolution and began the program with firm agronomic practices already in place.

Although the main focus of the project is agricultural, in 2010, Mosaic's India team helped build a new schoolhouse in one of the villages. Going forward, this will be a feature of the project for each new village served. From Mosaic's agronomists to our sales and marketing teams, our employees in India take great pride in the project, knowing they are making a positive impact on their communities.