In an exclusive interview, Sreemoyee C Bhattacharya, Sustainability & CSR Manager, Marico speaks to Steena Joy on the company’s innovative program for coconut farmers.
Tell us about Marico’s Farmer First Program
The name of this program is Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation. Basically, Marico is one of the largest buyers of coconut in the country. One out of every three coconuts that are produced in the country is procured by Marico for its flagship brand Parachute as well as for all the value-added hair oils where coconut oil is a major ingredient.
We understood that the coconut cultivation is rooted to the culture and history of India, hence we wanted to have a program where we can focus on improving the livelihoods and overall sustainability of coconut cultivation in the country. It is a part of our corporate responsibility. This program was founded on World Coconut Day in 2017 with the objective of trying to transform the myth-based farming which is very typical in the southern parts of the country specifically with small scale coconut farmers.
To read the full story, subscribe to The Organic Magazine
