Bridgestone India, in partnership with the Society for Environment and Agricultural Sustainability (Sagest), has launched the Nutritional Fruit Orchard Project in Sulawad village, located in the Dhar District of Madhya Pradesh. This initiative focuses on empowering rural women through sustainable farming practices, fostering environmental stewardship, and enhancing nutritional health in the region.
The orchard, covering four acres, is home to over 1,300 fruit trees representing more than 15 varieties. With the help of local community members and Bridgestone volunteers, the trees have achieved an impressive 96% survival rate in their first year. The women overseeing the orchard also manage a nursery with 1,000 saplings and are involved in producing compost and organic pesticides from garden waste, promoting eco-friendly farming techniques.
Beyond the orchard, the project includes the establishment of 251 kitchen gardens at local households. These gardens allow families to grow their own vegetables, improving nutrition and bolstering food security. Regular training and awareness sessions are held to educate residents on sustainable farming practices and environmental responsibility.
Hiroshi Yoshizane, Managing Director of Bridgestone India, emphasized that this project reflects a holistic approach to community development, combining agricultural empowerment with environmental sustainability.
The initiative benefits from the support of various stakeholders. The local panchayat provided the land for the orchard, and in addition to the women caretakers, teachers and students from a nearby government school are also actively involved in its maintenance.
Bridgestone India Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, began its journey in 1996. By March 1998, with the establishment of its manufacturing plant in Kheda, Madhya Pradesh, Bridgestone successfully brought Indian-made tyres to Indian roads.
In 2013, the company expanded its presence by setting up another facility in Chakan, Pune. In 2023, the Indore plant marked a major milestone, producing its 100 millionth tyre. In just over 25 years, Bridgestone India has grown into a leading player in both the OEM and replacement tyre markets.
Globally, Bridgestone is a leader in tyres and rubber solutions, leveraging its expertise to drive safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company operates in more than 150 countries and employs around 130,000 people. Bridgestone’s portfolio includes premium tyres and advanced mobility solutions, underpinned by cutting-edge technologies that enhance the way people move, live, and work.
