Gram Unnati has joined forces with Coca-Cola India to launch ‘Project Mango Unnati,’ a pioneering initiative aimed at boosting mango yields and improving farmers’ income in Karnataka. The project focuses on the Alphonso and Totapuri varieties, aiming to revolutionize sustainable mango cultivation.
The project will collaborate closely with state horticulture agencies such as Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the Mango Board, the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), and various horticulture departments across different districts.
“Gram Unnati is proud to partner with Coca-Cola India on this transformative project that underscores our commitment to sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment,” said Aneesh Jain, CEO and Founder of Gram Unnati. “By adopting modern practices and focusing on quality, we aim to significantly enhance the livelihoods of mango farmers in Karnataka.”
Rajesh Ayapilla, Senior Director of CSR and Sustainability for Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, added, “Farmers are the backbone of India’s horticulture system. With Project Mango Unnati, we aim to elevate the livelihoods of these farmers with advanced horticulture solutions, empowering them to significantly increase their incomes.”
Sustainable Agricultural Practices:
The project emphasizes sustainable agriculture through several innovative techniques:
- Rejuvenation of Old Orchards: Introducing rejuvenation techniques for ageing and senile orchards.
- High-Density Planting (HDP): Promoting high-density planting practices.
- Micro-Irrigation: Implementing efficient micro-irrigation systems.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Utilizing integrated pest management techniques.
- Water Conservation: Employing water conservation methods such as mulching and rainwater harvesting.
- Climate-Smart Techniques: Providing crop advisory services, including climate forecasting and crop alert systems.
The project aims to improve the quality, size, and shelf life of mangoes, helping farmers achieve better market prices and enhancing their incomes. Gram Unnati, an agri-value chain enterprise, will provide advisory services, access to high-quality inputs at low costs, and market linkages to marginal farmers. They will also offer customized production, logistics, and end-to-end quality control of agricultural produce to institutional buyers.
Through Project Mango Unnati, Gram Unnati and Coca-Cola India aim to drive significant advancements in mango farming, benefiting both farmers and the environment.