With a net worth of Rs. 14,176 crore and a turnover of Rs. 11,462 crore, UPL Limited is a global leader in agri-solutions. The company has strategically used last year’s surpluses to meet its CSR obligations for FY2024–25, spending precisely Rs. 4.86 crore while helping nearly 90,000 people, more than 90% of whom come from marginalised and vulnerable communities.

This exact allocation, as disclosed in its Annual Report, demonstrates UPL’s prudent fiscal approach under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, guaranteeing no unspent funds from the previous three years and promoting sustainable development without creating capital assets. This is in contrast to a statutory 2% requirement of Rs. 25.99 crore on average net profits of Rs. 1,299.56 crore.

For FY 2022 and FY 2023, the company’s excess expenditures totalled Rs. 17.78 crores and Rs. 15.80 crores, respectively. According to the annual report, the company is eligible for a set-off of Rs. 33.58 crores through FY 2025–2026. A total eligible buffer of Rs. 33.58 crore through FY2025-26 was made possible by the company’s CSR framework, which is closely linked to its goal of creating resilient food systems. This framework allowed for an Rs. 21.13 crore set-off from excess expenditures in FY2022 (Rs. 17.78 crore) and FY2023 (Rs. 15.80 crore).

A Rs. 21 crore shortfall was eliminated by this technique, allowing UPL to allocate funds effectively to 18 programmes with significant impact. In the report, Chairman & Group CEO Jaidev Shroff said, “At UPL, we are committed to developing a sustainable future for all, guided by the ideals of “Open Hearts” and “Always Human.”

UPL’s thematic pillars—Institutions of Excellence, Sustainable Livelihood, Biodiversity Conservation, and Inclusive Development & Growth—led diverse actions, guided by a strong CSR strategy that prioritised environmental harmony and stakeholder participation. Programmes centred on entrepreneurship and skill development in sustainable livelihood enabled women, youth, and smallholder farmers, lowering disparities through economic possibilities and vocational training in rural India and worldwide operations. More than 90% of the recipients were from under-represented groups, such as tribal communities and landless workers, which is in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 1 (No Poverty).

No related-party transactions were disclosed, and strict oversight was maintained by the CSR Committee, which met four times in FY25 and was composed of independent directors. Supported by a 60% independent board, this governance strength highlights UPL’s top ESG ranking among ag-chem companies according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. UPL’s 8% revenue increase and 47% EBITDA spike in FY25, despite market obstacles including global overcapacity, provided a secure foundation for social initiatives, demonstrating that societal rewards are amplified by budgetary discipline.

UPL’s FY25 CSR narrative is a prime example of strategic foresight, transforming regulatory compliance into catalytic transformation, with neither surplus nor deficiency carried forward.