Syngenta responds to COVID-19, partners Akshaya Patra to distribute food among needy in Hubli
Hubli, May 07, 2020: Responding to current COVID-19 situation, leading agriculture company, Syngenta India Limited is distributing food to 500 members of the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee, Hubli for one month. Under the unique initiative, food is being provided to farmers, laborers and daily wage workers through well-known nonprofit, Akshaya Patra.
Syngenta has so far supported 5,000 families with grocery items in the states such as Goa, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The company is working with Akshaya Patra on providing food packets in major markets including APMCs and Mandis for farmers, truck drivers and workers in states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
The initiative launched in Hubli is being conducted under the guidelines of APMC and in presence of its President, Mr Ramachandra Jadhav and Secretary, Mr Rajanna Upinhalli. Mr Shivanand Hiremath, Business manager, Mr Ashok Bansi Territory Manager, Syngenta and company distributors, besides Agro shop owners are a part of the food distribution events.
Lauding the food distribution drive, Mr Rajanna Upinhalli Secretary, APMC, Hubli, called it a much needed exercise. “The quality of food distribution to all farmers and laborers has really helped to mitigate their sufferings during the lockdown,” he said.
Explaining the need for such an initiative, Dr K C Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India mentioned, “In these critical times, there are many groups such as daily wage earners who are highly vulnerable. Therefore, in keeping with our commitment to help those in need, we have collaborated with Akshaya Patra to distribute food materials across India.” He added, “We are also committed in keeping our employees safe and also support farmers in their efforts to produce enough nutritious and affordable food, well beyond the current health crisis.”
Various stakeholders expressed their happiness and gratitude for the initiative. Expressing his heartfelt appreciation, Mr Prasad, Mrutyunjaya of Agro Kendra, Hubli stated, “We are very grateful for taking this noble step in providing food daily for all the ground staff who are vulnerable during this pandemic time. It has provided immense support to whole agro- traders community.”
A farmer Unakal who had come to APMC with his load of onions and was stuck in Hubli, felt overwhelmed while thanking Syngenta’s efforts to help. “Hotels are closed and food is not available in APMC but this arrangement is very good and we are really happy about service.”
Syngenta has also launched a toll free number 18001215315 for farmers to provide them with necessary agriculture related information.
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:
Javed Rahmatullah
Mobile: 9998922211
E-Mail: javed.rahmatullah@syngenta.com
