| Work Detail |
Coca-Cola has expanded its farm productivity initiative, Project Unnati, to 13 states and Union Territories, adding six more key crops beyond its initial focus on mango farming. The program now includes apple, orange, grapes, litchi, coffee, and sugarcane, enhancing its reach and impact on smallholder farmers. According to Rajesh Ayapilla, Senior Director-PACS-Sustainability and CSR for India and South West Asia at The Coca-Cola Company, Project Unnati aims to address challenges such as low yields and outdated farming practices. By integrating modern agricultural techniques, the initiative promotes sustainable farming, resource efficiency, and improved farmer incomes. Launched in 2011 with a focus on mango farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Project Unnati has since evolved into a comprehensive agricultural support system. The initiative helps farmers adopt climate-resilient techniques, optimize resource use, and reduce carbon emissions while improving overall productivity. Unnati, which means ‘progress,’ reflects our commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, farmer livelihoods, and sustainability, Ayapilla said. The company takes a holistic, collaborative approach to agricultural transformation, providing farmers with access to modern insights, resources, and market connections. A key focus of Project Unnati is post-harvest support and market linkages. By strengthening direct connections between farmers and buyers, Coca-Cola aims to reduce dependency on intermediaries, ensuring fair prices and better price realization. The initiative also provides training and capacity-building programs to help farmers meet domestic and global quality standards. Through these efforts, Coca-Cola seeks to contribute to a resilient and self-sufficient agricultural ecosystem, aligning with India’s broader vision of Atmanirbhar Krishi (self-reliant agriculture). |
