PepsiCo India’s Collaborative Farming Inducing Transformative Impact on Assam's Farmers' Lives

 

PepsiCo India’s Collaborative Farming Inducing Transformative Impact on Assam's Farmers' Lives 

There are many  compelling success stories to underscore the transformative impact on the lives of farmers in Assam through PepsiCo India’s collaborative farming programme. PepsiCo India works with more than 470 farmers in Assam which covers around 10 districts.

 

Through its Positive Agriculture pillar under pep+ (Pep Positive), PepsiCo India is helping secure the livelihood of 27,000 farmers, including women, and uplift communities in 14 states across India. In Assam, PepsiCo India's collaboration has empowered farmers to embrace sustainable techniques, resulting in increased yields, improved product quality, and reduced environmental impact.

 

These stories encapsulate the essence of PepsiCo India's commitment to positive change and sustainable partnerships.

A Farmer's Inspiring Journey to Success with PepsiCo: 

The Story of Devi Prasad Sarma

In the midst of the lush fields of Assam, Devi Prasad Sarma, a steadfast farmer even at 72 years of age, shares his remarkable tale of overcoming challenges. With hands that bear the marks of hardwork and a heart deeply connected to the land, Devi Prasad embodies the true spirit of a farmer. His journey, marked by resilience and determination, intersects with PepsiCo India, bringing about a significant transformation that extends well beyond his fields.

A resident of No.1 Polisumoni village in Biswanath, Assam, Devi Prasad lives in his modest home surrounded by his cherished family - his wife, daughter, nephew, and sister - all united by their shared love for farming. Devi Prasad's life as a farmer spans decades, characterized by unwavering dedication, hard work, and perseverance.

The turning point came in 2019 when Devi Prasad partnered with PepsiCo, a decision that proved pivotal. However, this collaboration was not just a business deal; it was a lifeline, offering solutions to the challenges that had shadowed Devi Prasad's farming journey. He recalls the days before PepsiCo India when finding good potato seeds was difficult, and uncertain market conditions left farmers facing difficulties. Post-harvest, waiting for payments and dealing with high insurance costs added to the struggles. PepsiCo India emerged as a ray of hope, addressing these problems with sustainable solutions.

Devi Prasad's association with PepsiCo brought about a transformation, marked by learning guidance, and 360-degree support. The quality of seeds improved, resulting in better harvests through sustainable farming practices. Training sessions provided technical knowledge that guided him towards higher yields and increased profits. Devi Prasad also spoke of the financial assurance this partnership has provided him with timely payments shortly after harvest. However, this transformation was not just about numbers; it led to a qualitative change, with Devi Prasad

experiencing a significant shift in his daily farming practices.

The challenges of the past started to fade away as Devi Prasad embraced modern and sustainable farming techniques. Knowledge of the right package of practices of potato agronomy helped   him

tremendously. With new insights, he adjusted his approach, understanding the importance of proper nutrition, irrigation, and post-rain care. The expertise and support imparted by PepsiCo India agronomists, even during challenges caused due to the vagaries of climate change, became the foundation of his success, nurturing high-quality crops with a reduced impact on the environment.

Reflecting on his journey, Devi Prasad acknowledges that his life has taken a different direction since teaming up with PepsiCo India. Despite being in overwhelming debt, he chose to cultivate potatoes in an area of 30 acres with full faith in PepsiCo’s collaborative farming programme. Today, he proudly shares how his decision to partner with PepsiCo helped him pay off debt of Rs 8 lakh, an achievement made possible by PepsiCo India’s partnership which includes an assured buyback and understanding of sustainable farming practices. His eyes shine with hope as he talks about the peace of mind he now enjoys, knowing that his family's future is more secure than ever.

Devi Prasad's transformation goes beyond his personal gains; it sets an example for others. He has become a source of guidance in his  community,  advocating   for  the   benefits   of    collaboration,

sustainable farming, and the positive impact of PepsiCo. His neighbours and fellow farmers look up to him, inspired by the changes they see in his life. Devi Prasad's message is clear : PepsiCo has not only changed his farming practices, but it has also improved his life overall.

Through Devi Prasad's journey, we witness the power of knowledge, partnership, and determination. His life has been reshaped, and his story is a testament to the transformative impact that collaborative farming and guided learning can bring. Devi Prasad Sarma, a symbol of change and growth, stands as living proof of the profound influence a single partnership can have on a farmer's life and community around them.

Komal Kumari Boro: Cultivating Dreams and Empowering Women Through Farming

In the heart of Puthimari village in Sonitpur, nestled among the vibrant fields of Assam, lives a remarkable woman named Komal Kumari. With unwavering resolve and support from PepsiCo India, Komal has carved a path that not only redefines the role of women in farming but also highlights their potential as agri-preneurs, contributing significantly to the community's growth and prosperity.

Komal, at 37, stands as a testament to purpose-driven living. Her family, including her husband, son, and daughter, reflects her commitment to a better life for her loved ones. Her husband's unwavering support stands alongside Komal's own journey in farming, both converging into a shared vision for their family's progress.

Komal's journey began in 2017, a time when financial constraints cast shadows over her family's aspirations. With a son aiming for a BA degree and a daughter in the midst of her education, additional income was imperative. Farming, initially undertaken out of necessity, was riddled with lack of right farming practices, access to quality seeds, and knowledge of navigating market intricacies. However, what started as a practical solution soon evolved into a means of empowerment and self-sufficiency.

In 2022, a partnership with PepsiCo India marked a definitive turning point for Komal. This collaboration not only provided access to vital resources but also instilled a sense of agency and

ambition. Through specialized training and knowledge-sharing, Komal transitioned from traditional practices to a more sustainable and scientific approach to farming. The adoption of modern techniques yielded substantial results, leading to improved yields, higher income, and, most importantly, a newfound confidence within her.

Central to this transformation was the establishment of the Jaymoti Farmer Producer Company in 2021 by the women farmers with aid from the Government of Assam. This initiative shattered long-standing gender norms and solidified the women's status as agri-preneurs. With a shared purpose, the community of 435 women farmers embarked on a journey of empowerment, turning challenges into opportunities and nurturing the land with a blend of tradition and innovation.

PepsiCo India's role in the formation of the Farmer Producer Company is undeniable. Access to large market with the certainty of assured buyback was pivotal in providing an opportunity for the

women farmers to collectivize their efforts leading to aid from the Assam Government. Through its 360-degree support in collaborative farming, PepsiCo India provided not just knowledge and tools, but also the confidence and upliftment needed to foster a society's holistic development. The impact of its involvement extended beyond agriculture, empowering the community to recognize the potential within its own boundaries.

Also, crucially integral to this story is the transformation of societal dynamics, where women's empowerment and progress are not isolated pursuits, but rather collaborative endeavors. The proactive stance shown by Komal and her peers, served as an awakening for their male counterparts, mobilizing them to recognize the untapped potential of women as lead farmers. What

once were traditional gender roles evolved into a symphony of mutual understanding and shared aspirations.

Komal Kumari Boro's story is more than a tale of individual triumph; it is a narrative of collective resilience and unity. Her journey stands as a beacon of hope for countless women who dare to defy conventions and embrace agri-preneurship. As the sun rises over the fields of Puthimari village, it illuminates a community that has been transformed by the vision and leadership of women who sowed the seeds of change and reaped a harvest of empowerment.

Sujit Das: Nurturing Growth and Unity through Collaborative Farming with PepsiCo India

In the heart of Assam's verdant fields, a tale of transformation and camaraderie unfolds. Sujit Das, a tenacious and inventive farmer, has not only cultivated prosperity on his land but has also fostered a thriving community through his partnership with PepsiCo India.

Sujit's bond with the soil runs deep, forged during his upbringing under the open skies of No.1 Polisumoni, Biswanath. Born into a farming family of modest means, Sujit’s inherited perseverance and an aptitude for farming from his father. In 1993, Sujit embarked on his own journey as a humble small-scale farmer to eke out a living from the fertile soil of his homeland.

The pivotal moment arrived in 2018, when he was first introduced to the collaborative farming programmme of PepsiCo India. This marked the genesis of a partnership that brought stability to Sujit’s

livelihood, anchoring his produce to a steady buyback from PepsiCo India. This stability extended beyond Sujit's fields and eased financial concerns for his family, infusing hope for a brighter future.

PepsiCo India, renowned for its commitment to empowering farmers through 360-degree support in the form of right package of practices such as nutrition and care of crops, provided training and guidance which helped blossom Sujit’s knowledge of potato agronomy and farm management. Armed with advanced agricultural techniques, Sujit witnessed a surge in his yields through scientific yet sustainable methods, harvesting 45 quintals of produce. He fondly recalled the delight he experienced on the morning he received an SMS notification indicating payment from PepsiCo India within seven days of the harvest.

Soon, Sujit, once solely a farmer, found himself on a new path. PepsiCo India recognized his enterprising nature and transformed him into a vendor. This shift from being solely a cultivator to becoming a partner with PepsiCo India marked a turning point. It was not  just a transactional change, but a transformation that echoed through his life and community.

Before his collaboration with PepsiCo India, Sujit like other small-hold farmers grappled with the unpredictability of the market, with its fluctuating demands and uncertain prices. However, PepsiCo’s impact was not limited to the financial realm; it brought a radical change in mindset - a newfound dedication to sustainable farming practices, environmental stewardship, and the upliftment of his community.

Today, Sujit leads a team of over 70 farmers confident of the backing from PepsiCo India even during challenging times such as excessive monsoons. The trust he commands stands as a testament to his dedication forged through years of hard work and shared achievements. As Sujit's farming community flourished, so did his aspirations for growth. From a modest three-acre farm in 2019, his realm expanded to a sprawling 295 acres in 2023.

His leadership served as a guiding light, inspiring fellow farmers to embrace the concept of collaborative farming. The secret behind his success? A blend of expertise and shared knowledge, an unshakeable belief in the power of unity, and support from PepsiCo India as a core catalyst in the agricultural transformation for the welfare of farmers.

Sujit;s journey mirrors his own evolution, from a humble farmer to a confident leader. His partnership with PepsiCo India acted as a catalyst, igniting a self-assuredness that propelled him to newfound heights. The dream of owning an acre of land materialized, and he proudly built a new house - a tangible symbol of his transition from uncertainty to stability.

In Sujit Das's story, we encounter resilience, the strength of collaboration, and the promise of a brighter future. He stands not only as a symbol of personal success but as a testament to the potential that lies within every individual when empowered by knowledge and united in purpose. Through determination, innovative techniques, and a partnership that ignited his confidence, Sujit Das has not only cultivated the land but has also sown seeds of inspiration and unity amongst his community.

[With inputs from Chandrayee Mukherjee, Sr Account Executive, AVIAN WE]