Bengaluru: The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TAPF), India’s largest not for profit organisation dedicated to child nutrition and education, recently celebrated ‘Suggi Habba’ on the lap of mother earth (on the fields). In the heart of Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage, Akshaya Patra celebrated the harvest season symbolic to the bounty of crops/ vegetables and as a mark of respect to the sons of the soil, felicitated the farmer partners in the surrounding vicinity of Sulibele/ Hoskote taluks this Thursday. The event wasn’t just a cultural celebration but a testament to TAPF’s innovative collaboration with local farmers, a pivotal force behind the success of their mid-day meal program.
Central to the celebration was Akshaya Patra’s deep-rooted partnership with local farmers, a symbiotic relationship shaping a circular economy. This partnership not only sustains the agricultural community but also fuels the organization’s mission to nourish schoolchildren through the mid-day meal programme.
Shridhar Venkat, CEO of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, highlighted the significance, stating, “This celebration goes beyond the fields, encapsulating a complete cycle of nourishment and joy. Many of these farmer partners have children studying in schools where Akshaya Patra serves nutritious meals. This harmonious loop not only supports the farmers but ensures the well-being of their children, creating a holistic impact on the communities we serve.
Venkat further emphasized, “These farmers are at the core of achieving the pure happiness of children. Their dedication, hard work, and partnership complete the circle of our mission – from cultivating the land to cultivating bright minds. This ambitious project mirrors The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s enduring commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering community participation. It symbolizes TAPF’s collective effort in promoting healthy eating habits and advancing sustainable practices towards a brighter, more nourishing future.”
Key Elements of the Celebration and Farmer Collaboration:
- Direct Sourcing from Farmers by TAPF:
- Timeline and Impact: Commencing direct sourcing 1.5 years ago, TAPF ensures fair payments, eliminating middlemen and providing stability for farmers.
- Benefits for Farmers: Direct sourcing guarantees daily fair compensation and future crop orders, nurturing a sustainable relationship.
- Criteria for Selecting Farmers:
- Selection Process: Criteria include quality, quantity alignment with TAPF’s needs, and market price feasibility.
- Key Factors: Focus on quality standards and timely fulfilment at market-approved prices.
- Ensuring Fresh and Nutritious Vegetables:
- Quality Assurance: TAPF maintains strict quality control from procurement to food delivery.
- SQMS: Farmers undergo audits for quality and food safety compliance; engaged suppliers are rigorously vetted.
- Promotion of Chemical-Free Vegetables:
- GAP: Farmers encouraged to adopt Good Agricultural Practices, cultivating chemical-free vegetables.
- Growth in Sourcing and Farmer Collaboration:
- Expansion and Impact: TAPF’s sourcing has substantially grown, from 200-500 kg to 16-18 Metric Tons in the Chikkaballapur cluster alone, indicating a significant increase in farmer collaborations.
- Reasons for Direct Procurement from Farmers:
- Strategic Decision: The shift aimed to eliminate middlemen, ensure a supply of fresh, high-quality vegetables, and engage farmers directly in TAPF’s farm-to-fork initiative.
This ambitious project mirrors The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s enduring commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering community participation. It symbolizes TAPF’s collective effort in promoting healthy eating habits and advancing sustainable practices towards a brighter, more nourishing future.
The Foundation feeds over 2.1 million children in 29,000 schools through its 72 kitchens across 16 states and 2 UTs of India, making it the world’s largest NGO-run school feeding programme.
