Syngenta launches I-SAFE programme in Guntur to train farmers on safe use of pesticides
Guntur, March 05.2020: With Andhra Pradesh consuming about 22.5% of the total pesticides produced in India and Guntur topping the list in consumption of pesticides, farmers are being affected for want of awareness on safe usage of agro-chemical products. Being committed to overall wellbeing of farmers, Syngenta's I-SAFE program in Guntur has been aimed and specially designed to improve the knowledge and awareness of farming community on safe use of agro-chemicals. Hon’ble Home Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Smt Mekathoti Sucharitha inaugurated Syngenta's I-SAFE Programme for the year 2020 in Prathipadu, District Guntur (AP) today and flagged off a Mobile Health Van which runs into its second year in Guntur benefiting thousands of farmers.
The I-SAFE Programme (Inculcating Safety Awareness for Farmer Empowerment) is a first-of-its kind initiative launched by Syngenta CSR in collaboration with Syngenta Foundation India in 15 districts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab and Haryana since 2018-19. Designed to instill farmer’s awareness on health & safety by equipping them with appropriate tools and techniques, I-SAFE aims to enable farmers and Spraymen competent in the use, spraying and handling of agro-chemicals.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon'ble Home Minister appreciated Syngenta's I-SAFE programme for the key role it is playing in improving safety & health of farming community and controlling the misuse of agro-chemicals. The Minister also expressed confidence that farmers in Guntur will continue to lead the way in responsible farming ensuring safe use of agro-chemical consumption in the District through Syngenta's collaborative efforts with the State Government by way of its CSR activities.
Syngenta under I-SAFE programme will be regularly training Guntur farmers for safe agro-chemical application procedures, ensuring agricultural & crop protection practices are undertaken in a healthy, hygienic and most importantly, in a safe manner to avoid any untoward exposure incidents. This also helps reducing farmer’s spending on health care due to lack of preventive measures and awareness, said a Syngenta spokesperson.
I-SAFE programme has been successful in over 15 districts across the country in last two years. Syngenta has been conducting farmer training activities, personal health & hygiene and safe use campaigns, doctor training programs and operating the Syngenta Mobile Health Clinic in various District since 2018. The I-SAFE programme in Guntur further strengthens the actions, activities and commitment to the farmers of the district.
Doctor training is an significant component of the I-SAFE programme during which Syngenta has trained 917 doctors through an eminent Toxicologist Dr V V Pillay. Also, Syngenta's mobile health units are running in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh and Yavatmal, Maharashtra since last 2 years. More than 80000 people have been provided primary health service through these vans so far. Syngenta has already trained 60, 000 farmers, counselled 4000 farm labourers on distress management and safe use practices and trained more than 600 Spraymen Agri Entrepreneurs.
About Syngenta
Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more, visit us at www.syngenta.com, www.syngenta.co.in, Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Syngenta
Media Contact:
R Vaithiyanathan
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E-Mail: r.vaithiyanathan@syngenta.com
