PepsiCo and US Agency for International Development (USAID) on 12 May 2022 acknowledged and awarded six women, farmers, as part of its’ Women’s Land Rights and Economic Empowerment Activity in West Bengal.
The awards were handed over Melinda Pavek, Consul General, US Consulate General, Kolkata, and Ronald Verdonk, Minister Counselor for Agricultural Affairs, US Embassy, organized a special felicitation program at PepsiCo’s food manufacturing plant in Kolkata. The farmers were selected for their extraordinary work in the field of agriculture and for breaking stereotypes in their local communities.
Being an ‘Agri’ company at heart, PepsiCo in India has been positively impacting the lives of farmers, including women. In 2019, PepsiCo and USAID launched the Women’s Land Rights and Economic Empowerment activity to provide training to women in agriculture as part of its collaborative farming supply chain. Through this partnership, the program has trained more than 1000 women in potato agronomy and sustainable farming practices, with a goal of reaching 500 additional women farmers in its final year.
Shamima Begum and Anwara Begum from West Bengal’s Hooghly district, and Sujata Pramanik, Manisha Alu, Tapasi Pal, and Anita Singh From West Bengal’s Bankura district receives awards for breaking the gender stereotypes by implementing best practices related to learning and implementing collaborative potato farming, professionalizing their work as farmers. The women have not only improved their livelihoods as a result of the program. But have also positively impacted other women farmers by joining their programs inspiring their communities
Sonia Laul, Consul for Political and Economic Affairs; Rakeeb Hossain, Political-Economic Assistant, US Consulate, Kolkata; Subrataa Chakraborty, Country Director, ILRG India program; Viraj Chouhan, Chief Government Affairs and Communications Officer, PepsiCo India; Pratap Bose, Agro Director Supply Chain, PepsiCo India; and Cameli Pawar, Associate Director, PepsiCo Kolkata Plant and Co-Pack Operations, among other key dignitaries who attended the awards ceremony.
Speaking at the occasion, Melinda Pavek, Consul General, US Consulate General said “Advancing gender equity is fundamental to every individual’s economic security and well-being. The opportunity to meet and learn about the tremendous achievements of women farmers in West Bengal is inspiring. These leaders are truly a powerful example for others in emulating their communities. The United States is committed to supporting programs that focus on offering economic opportunities and leadership roles to farmers in India. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate both PepsiCo and USAID for running this program in West Bengal so effectively. Such programs go a long way in removing the structural inequalities and helping women realize their immense potential. ”
Subrataa Chakraborty, Country Director, ILRG India program said “It is a moment of pride for us to see how these women farmers in West Bengal are being acknowledged for their undying spirit and commitment to prove themselves in the largely male-dominated field of agriculture.
The program focuses on elevating the social status of women farmers who have been largely considered by farmwives or farm assistants themselves, and their family members. With great support from PepsiCo India, we will continue to focus on strengthening the capabilities of these women as farmers and as individuals to ensure they contribute to the decision-making process within and outside families as well. “
Pratap Bose, Agro Director, Supply Chain, PepsiCo India, said, “The heartening stories and pride of these women represent the real success of these women farmers in our program. From day one of PepsiCo is focusing on bringing these farmers into the company’s supply chain, recognizing them as farmers, and developing them as entrepreneurs. The farming community especially women farmers in West Bengal has a deep interest in our sustainable farming program.
USAID / India Mission Director, Veena Reddy provided a message to mark the occasion, stating, “At USAID, we believe that when we increase incomes and opportunities for women, entire communities, economies, and countries benefit. USAID is proud to work with PepsiCo India and our partners to increase women’s economic empowerment across the entire supply chain for potatoes. Through this partnership, we are improving women’s access to land, skills, and employment and entrepreneurial opportunities through sustainable farming practices, and women’s income and agency, showing that investing in women’s empowerment makes social and economic sense. “
The PepsiCo-USAID Women’s Land Rights and Economic Empowerment Activity in West Bengal was also the catalyst for a new five-year, $ 20 million partnership between PepsiCo and USAID that plans to support the global food and beverage leader’s efforts in empowering women in Uttar Pradesh, India, Colombia, Vietnam and Pakistan. a more sustainable food system. The goal of the project is to drive inclusivity across the food and beverage industry by demonstrating that actively engaged women as PepsiCo’s sustainable sourcing strategy leads to better business results.
First published on: 13 May 2022, 09:41 IST