Syngenta India to train and certify 1000 spray men

Syngenta India launched its 7th edition of the I-SAFE (Inculcating Safety Awareness for Farmers Empowerment) program in Yavatmal in the presence of Sanjay Rathod, Minister of Food and Drug Administration, Government of Maharashtra and District Collector, Yavatmal, Amol Yedge.

″It is a matter of great gratification that Syngenta India has been steadfast in its resolve to empower our farmers, and farm workers, and boost the rural economy. As a critical stakeholder, we appreciate the fact that Syngenta India has been very particular about the welfare and betterment of our farmers,″ said Rathod.

Under the I-SAFE initiative, Syngenta India in next one year now plans to train at least 1000 Certified Spray Men, conduct safe use training for 5000 farmers, cover 500 villages by deploying public awareness vans, and conduct training for at least 100 doctors on Recognition and Treatment for accidental pesticide exposure. So far 62,000 farmers have been trained under the I-SAFE program at Yavatmal. A well-equipped Mobile Health Van to provide primary healthcare facilities was also flagged off. The farmers were supported with PPE kits and certificates for spray-men entrepreneurs were also distributed.

Syngenta has established six cotton model farms in Yavatmal to train the farmers on the safe usage of crop protection products. The company has also implemented other sustainable practices such as soil health analysis – optimum use of fertilizers, pheromone traps for effective pink ball worm management, and crop protection protocol, to grow the cotton more sustainably and effectively.

Syngenta, as an additional feature, this year has introduced a digital app for safe use advisories. This would ensure that the farmers who have registered through the app will get timely and recurring advisories on the safe and responsible use of pesticides and other agri inputs. Farmers will also get instant advice on their crops with just a click on Syngenta CropWise Grower App and its Crop Doctor feature.

Amol Yedge, District Collector Yavatmal said, ″We are happy with the work done under the I-SAFE program in Yavatmal. Syngenta has shown immense commitment for the safety of farmers in the district. Innovative tools and technological support are effective ways to help farmers in dealing with day-to-day challenges in the field. Their previous work with farmers, and constant endeavors, ensure our grain growers gain the most.″

Dr. KC Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India, said, ″We have been working in Yavatmal for seven years. Since the launch of I-SAFE in October 2017, over 2500 spray men and farm labor counseling sessions have been conducted on the safety and safe use practices. Over 800 doctors have been trained and public awareness sessions have been conducted in 1000 villages. Primary healthcare support using Mobile Health vans has reached 1,25,000 people so far″. Dr. Ravi added that the use of tools like the Grower App will determine the course of future farming. ″Syngenta India is committed to making Yavatmal farmers future ready. We are also working on ensuring their safety, and sustainability of farming.″

Cropwise Grower App, an AI-powered tool offers swift, simple, and effective solutions to farmers by identifying pest or disease attacks and getting instant remedies. It also provides live weather updates, mandi prices, credit finance facilities, and insurance services, among others. Using the Crop Doctor feature, a farmer needs to do is click a photo and upload it on the Cropwise Grower App.

The App is being promoted as part of I-SAFE (Inculcating Safety Awareness for Farmers Empowerment), an initiative of Syngenta India aimed at ensuring the total safety of Yavatmal farmers by creating awareness and helping them with tools, techniques, and know-how. CropWise Grower App helps farmers with instant information on the safe use and storage of agrochemicals, soil health, understanding of crop protocols, knowledge of pests and diseases, pheromone trap installation, and much more.

Syngenta India in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra’s Department of Agriculture and the District Administration is making concerted efforts to make safe, sound, and sustainable farming a long-term reality in Yavatmal by adopting a wholesome approach where the welfare of smallholders is at the core. ″Our CropWise Grower App will empower Yavatmal farmers,″ said Dr Ravi.

Crop Doctor helps to identify pests or diseases and recommends solutions including prescription of Syngenta products. ″Over 2,500 farmers from Yavatmal district have registered on the App and are benefitting from it,″ said Dr. KC Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India.