‘Anandana’ - The Coca-Cola India Foundation, in partnership with ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra CENDECT, announced the expansion of its Project Unnati Mango across Theni, Dindugal, and Krishnagiri districts of Tamil Nadu through a State Level Women Entrepreneurs, Self Help Group Federation, Farmer Producer Organization’s Conference held at Kamatchipuram, Theni District. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Ravindra Narayana Ravi, the Governor of Tamil Nadu. Under this initiative, 100,000 Neelam variety seedlings and 50,000 Totapuri variety seedlings will be planted across 1,500 acres in the three districts. Furthermore, 3,000 farmers will be trained and equipped with modern farming techniques to cultivate the two mango varieties.
Project Unnati Mango is an integral part of Coca-Cola’s Fruit Circular Economy initiative, which is centered on sustainable agriculture. This initiative by the company focuses on driving farm-level efficiencies through the implementation of best-practice techniques, such as ultra-high-density plantation (UHDP) and drip irrigation. Aligned with the government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the project aims to support the Indian agri-ecosystem by enhancing farming efficiency, strengthening forward linkages, and building food-processing capacity in the country. This initiative provides 360-degree support to farmers, starting from skill training to implementing best agricultural practices to enhancing financial literacy.
Speaking about the initiative, The Governor Of TamilNadu, Mr.R.N.Ravi said, "More than 60% people are living on agriculture. Our country has been developing in all fields but somehow our farmers, our women have not got the full share of development. Farming was important because it gave us food but their contribution to the economy wasn't high. So our policy farmers always looked at which way to generate more wealth and add to GDP. For e.g, 30% of TN's GDP comes from service, 50% from industry and 11% from agriculture. The trend is the same throughout the country. Today when I came here, I saw several counters where our women farmers, women entrepreneurs are adding value to products and adding value is how you improve income. I'm happy to see the enthusiasm with which they work. Here, I have a lot of expectations from this KVK run by CENDECT. We need to have more and more farmers, women farmers becoming entrepreneurs.
Speaking about the program, Dr. P. Patchaimal, Chairman, CENDECT ICAR KVK, said, "Our collaboration with Anandana - The Coca-Cola India Foundation, specifically through Project Unnati Mango, aims to provide local farmers in Tamil Nadu with the necessary tools, skill training, and resources for successful mango cultivation. This partnership serves as a crucial step in enhancing mango cultivation in the region. We firmly believe that economic empowerment acts as a catalyst for sustainable development”.
Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability -Vice President, Devyani Rajya Laxmi Rana stated, "Farmers are the backbone of India’s horticulture system. We are committed to enhancing their productivity and improving their livelihoods through ‘Project Unnati Mango’. The expansion of Project Unnati Mango to three additional districts in Tamil Nadu with CENDECT ICAR KVK underscores our commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and empowering farming communities in Tamil Nadu".
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