Partners progressive farmers to drive sustainable agriculture and integrated development of neighbouring communities

Bidadi, June 08, 2017: In line with its goal of enabling integrated development of communities as part of its Model Villages programme, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd celebrated the World Environment Day by dedicating a farm pond and allied facilities such as weeder cycles to progressive farmers of Medanahalli and Jogaradoddi villages in Bidadi cluster of Ramanagara district. An event to this effect was successfully organized in Medanahalli village today at 10:00 AM.

In Medanahalli and Jogaradoddi villages, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages has engaged twenty-five farmers to build their capacity and uplift them financially through effective linkages and support programmes. As part of this programme, the company is assisting famers in effective use of water resources through farm pond and other water conservation initiatives, integrated farming systems, organic farming among other things.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest of the event, Smt. Deepaja SM, Joint Director, Department of Agriculture, Ramanagara thanked Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages for dedicating the farm pond and allied facilities which will be immensely beneficial to the farmers. She said, “Karnataka has been witnessing severe drought since last year. It is high time to explore ways to make farming sustainable by reducing its dependency on uncertain monsoon. Constructing farm ponds to store and manage precious water better could be one of the solutions."? She further added that this initiative is an important step in improving the socio-economic conditions of the farming community in these villages of Bidadi cluster.

Mr. Dhananjaya Kulkarni, Zonal Head- Public Affairs and Communications, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages said, "This programme is a key part of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages' overall commitment to sustainable agriculture. Farm ponds are shielding them from the vagaries of drought and helping them keep their farm activity ticking. Through our initiative, we seek to provide the farming community in these villages with the capability to enhance agricultural productivity. It is very heartening to see an enthusiastic response and participation of the farmers."?

Smt. Venkateshamma Ramakrisnayya, President, Bidadi Corporation handed over weeder cycles to the farmers. As part of horticulture support programme, 300 saplings were planted in the village and 200 saplings were distributed to the Bidadi Industrial Association by invitees, HCCB Bidadi plant’s associates and villagers. Mr. Bhimannappa, the factory manager, Mr. Hanumantharaya, Additional Director, Dept. of Agriculture, Miss. Anupama and the local leaders Mr. Ramakrishanappa and Mr. Nagesh also graced the occasion.

About Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd., is the largest bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company in India. It is part of The Coca-Cola Company's Bottling Investment Group (BIG) and responsible for the manufacture, package, sale and distribution of beverages under the trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company. The Company has always placed high value on good citizenship. For further information on the Company's India operations and its products, please visit www.hindustancoca-cola.com